COE Buyer

Responsible for the entire buy process to include preparing, negotiating, managing and coordinating agreements supporting the procurement of various materials and/or services for the manufacturing sites under his/her responsibility. Serve as the buyer with execution authority for agreements categorized in alignment with Differential Management Efficiency and/or Essentials. Focus is on transactional efficiency and assurance of supply in a way that minimizes Sourcing effort and frees up time. Buy in the essential commodities may require some risk mitigation to assure supply. COE Buyers may also assist in larger purchases with other Buyers, Sr. Buyers, and/or Executive Buyers. This role is responsible for non-transactional work related to the buy in the essential and efficiency.

• Leads evaluation and selection of suppliers in terms of quality, service, cost and capability for assigned portfolio for sites in scope.
• Analyzes business requirements and identifies reliable suppliers to meet business requirements.
• Participates in the development of sourcing strategies.
• Looks for productivity gains, which may include working with Improvement Leaders and COE personnel.
• Looks for alternative sources, through individual research, and working with other Buyers, Sr. Buyers, and Executive Buyers.
• Oversees contract implementation and supplier performance/interaction; involved with resolving operational issues.
• Documents issues for quality, service, safety and supply (into the Sourcing quality data bases) and resolves issues with suppliers.
• Identifies and drives continuous improvement.
• Oversees contract implementation and supplier performance and interaction.
• Participates on Core Strategy Teams for materials and services in the Efficiency and/or Essential Quadrants.
• Negotiates and delivers savings to meet business requirements and Procurement objectives.
• Understands market dynamics, labor rates/market rates, etc. that may impact buy.
• Uses Auction Tools, RFIs, RFQs, RFPs and/or sealed bids.
• Creates leveraged agreements as appropriate.
• Calculates and reports accomplishments in all appropriate systems.
• Execute Tail Spend strategy.
• Manage spot and urgency buys.
• Resolve issues with vendors regarding delivery, quality, supply problem, pricing and issues with blocked invoice for payment.

• Graduates with at least 3 to 5 years of experience in Procurement.
• English strong knowledge is a must, Dutch language skills are considered a strong asset.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification would be a plus.

• Candidates must have strong client engagement skills and possess very strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively with the varying tasks and demands in this role.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, embraces and adapts to change, flexible and has a positive attitude.
• Able to work with cross function teams.
• Analytical skills are required to interpret data and develop savings/improvement opportunities.
• Candidates must possess strong computer capabilities (Word, Excel, Power point,…).
• Candidates must possess the ability to listen as well as communicate information in a clear, courteous, concise and logical manner.
• Negotiation Skills - Persuades suppliers and clients to reach mutually beneficial agreements and influences important outcomes.
• Capable to work in stress situations for shortages and potential plant shutdowns if supply is not executed on time.
• 15% travel required.