Senior Buyer

JOB PURPOSE

The Buyer is responsible for executing Procurement activities related to MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) items and Maintenance Services. This role ensures continuous supply to the plants, manages supplier relationships, develops sourcing strategies, delivers savings targets, mitigates supply risks, and drives continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and standards.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and manage sourcing strategies for MRO items and Maintenance Services.
• Lead RFQs, supplier selection processes, negotiations, and contract management activities.
• Develop, negotiate, and maintain supplier agreements and commercial contracts.
• Create Purchase Orders, register new suppliers, and execute Procurement system-related activities.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply of MRO materials and Maintenance Services to support plant operations.
• Resolve day-to-day supplier issues related to deliveries, quality, service, and supply performance.
• Develop, monitor, and report Procurement KPIs.
• Drive savings initiatives and ensure achievement of cost reduction targets.
• Develop and implement supplier consolidation strategies to optimize the supplier base.
• Perform market assessments, supplier benchmarking, and trend analysis to support sourcing decisions.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through appropriate risk management processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and align procurement priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within Procurement and Operations.
• Promote innovation and value creation through supplier partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with Procurement policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations to support decision-making processes.
• Support regional and global procurement initiatives when applicable.
• Follow management guidance and departmental objectives.
• Perform all work in accordance with approved policies, procedures, work instructions, Food Safety, Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental, Sustainability (EHSQS), and company requirements.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

HARD SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement methodologies.
• Experience in supplier relationship management and contract negotiations.
• Understanding of MRO items and Maintenance Services procurement.
• Knowledge of supply chain risk management techniques and tools.
• Ability to analyze market trends, supplier performance, and cost structures.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and procurement tools.

SOFT SKILLS

• Analytical Thinking: Interprets data and market information to support sourcing decisions and identify opportunities.
• Negotiation & Influencing: Builds strong commercial agreements and effectively manages supplier and stakeholder relationships.
• Results Orientation: Focuses on delivering savings, service, quality, and operational targets.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with stakeholders across multiple functions and levels.
• Planning & Prioritization: Manages competing demands and prioritizes activities effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve procurement processes and drive efficiencies.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for procurement outcomes and business results.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain, Economics, or related disciplines.
• Professional Procurement/Supply Chain certifications are desirable.
• Postgraduate qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, or related fields is a plus.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, RFIs, RFQs, contract negotiations, and supplier management.
• Proven expertise purchasing MRO Items and Maintenance Services.
• Experience managing supplier relationships across different levels of complexity and spend.
• Experience identifying cost reduction opportunities and delivering savings targets.
• Experience conducting market analysis and supplier risk assessments.
• Industrial manufacturing environment experience is preferred.
• Experience with Tolling Management is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with SAP, TOTVS, and Procurement-related systems.
• Power BI knowledge is desirable.
• Fluent English.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge of Procurement policies, procedures, and governance practices.
• Understanding of supplier risk management and mitigation strategies.

Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.