**Category Buyer – 6403**
Our client, a global market leader in the production and process support of active pharmaceutical ingredients in both chemical and biotechnology sectors, seeks an experienced strategic Category Buyer to manage procurement of engineering services for large investment pipeline globally within CapEx procurement team.
The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, comprehensive understanding of engineering services in life sciences landscape, and ability to cultivate partnerships with suppliers to optimize cost, quality, and service.
This is a one-year contract role based in Basel office or remote with at least one day visit to Visp production site in Switzerland.
Main Responsibilities:
* Contribute to development and execution of category strategies for procurement of engineering services including design, construction, commissioning, and qualification services.
* Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including regional project lead buyers, contract and claim management, responsible sourcing, global engineering, and centers of excellence to understand sourcing needs and contribute to project success.
* Conduct market research and supplier analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess supplier capabilities, monitor supplier performance, and manage supplier relationships.
* Manage entire life cycle of request for information/quotation process for large packages in this category including negotiation of framework and project-specific agreements to secure favorable terms and conditions while ensuring compliance and mitigating contract risks according to internal policies and industry standards.
* Monitor market trends, pricing, and supplier capacity dynamics to inform decision-making and minimize risk.
* Implement savings initiatives to achieve category-specific performance metrics drive continuous improvement initiatives within procurement function including process optimization and stakeholder engagement.
* Prepare reports and presentations for senior management highlighting key metrics supplier performance, and strategic insights.
* Onboard suppliers existing and new to Responsible Sourcing initiatives Sustainability and Decarbonization and follow up via corrective action plans to ensure suppliers' compliance with company's supplier code of conduct and other commitments climate child labor biodiversity etc.
Qualifications and Experience:
* Relevant working/residency permit or Swiss/EU citizenship required At least Bachelor's degree in Engineering Business Supply Chain Management, or related field.
* Fluent in English knowledge of German.
* CIPS or equivalent certification.
* 5-10 years experience in procurement of engineering services category management, or supply chain within life sciences.
* 5-10 years experience in engineering services market including understanding regulatory requirements and standards in life sciences sector.
* Agility in managing several priorities and ability to reprioritize.
* Business acumen with thorough evaluation of business cases and total cost of ownership.
* Constructive and hands-on approach with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
* Ability to listen to customer needs and translate them into cost-effective execution.
* Perseverance in overcoming challenges while keeping end goal in focus.
* Influencing and driving solutions with stakeholders and partners.