Buyer

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This individual will drive the implementation of the Procurement strategy for purchased products within their remit, supporting the global department and championing teamwork. Identifying new suppliers, developing cost-reduction initiatives, increasing efficiencies, and mitigating risk from a supply perspective are integral to this role. There must be focus on sourcing from a global supply base, developing new and existing supplier relationships and ensuring sustainable and ethical supply of key raw materials. Regular and proactive communication with all stakeholders, suppliers and key contacts within the supply chain will be essential. Providing real time market updates as well as market intelligence and proactive, innovative solutions to supply challenges and risks are an integral part of this position.

This role will focus on managing all key aspects of the supply chain from origin to contract negotiation, to material receipt, to stock, ensuring continuity of supply of key raw materials to the business. There will be substantial collaboration with external relationships to foster along with a range of internal functions including, but not limited to, Procurement, QC, Planning, Logistics, Operations, and the Commercial Team (Marketing, Category Management and Sales).

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, manage, and implement sourcing strategies.
• Maintain a high level of internal and external service provision.
• Full procurement cycle responsibility and autonomy for sourcing of materials.
• Actively contribute to in-depth spend analysis and market analysis on targeted areas of spend, and across categories.
• Investigate and implement ways of reducing cost by way of alternative supplier sourcing, increasing payment terms, driving supply chain efficiencies and /or negotiating better prices.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions and material supply issues, identifying and mitigating supply risk and communicating any pertinent information to relevant internal and external customers through proactive supplier communications.
• Stakeholder Engagement - advise and support stakeholders on business-related matters to maximize value from opportunities and supply arrangements.
• Contractual and Commercial Negotiations - where appropriate manage risks and value for money through effective negotiations and appropriate contractual relationships.
• Manage Treatt’s pricing system for designated product categories.
• Visit suppliers and customers where necessary and attend industry events as and when required which could involve international travel.
• Utilize all resources and systems available, including JDE, to maintain optimal levels of inventory and ensure continuity of supply.
• Provide education opportunities to internal stakeholders across all formats including presentations, regarding the portfolio of products to ensure product and market awareness through collation of existing knowledge as well as provision of new information.
• Build and develop strong working relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to secure more cost-effective sources of supply and mitigate supply risks.
• Support and deliver procurement objectives, and proactively support the development of the procurement function.
• Act as a mentor and source of knowledge and expertise to Junior Buyers globally Perform such other tasks as are consistent with the general role description and job title, which may be subject to change.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree (business, supply chain or agricultural economics preferred)
• A minimum of 5 years Procurement experience in a complex buying role, or equivalent supply chain experience.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

Essential Criteria:

• Commercial mindset with a strong focus on providing the best possible service to our customers, both internal and external
• Proven experience dealing with high value contracts and purchases
• In depth understanding of supply & demand and market dynamics
• Experience sourcing from a global supply base and international logistics
• Strong technical knowledge relevant to respective categories and portfolio of products
• Competent international traveler

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of working within the Flavor & Fragrance industry
• A good understanding and experience of using systems in which we operate (JDE, EXCEL)
• Direct buying experience with a high volume of SKUs (greater than 300)
• Effective people management experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Organization skills: This position requires one to be a self-motivator with the ability to organize, analyze, priorities, and multi-task in a methodical way whilst working in a fast-paced environment, using a very strong eye for detail.
• Communication skills: This person will be required to establish and maintain effective communication with peers, senior management, and suppliers. It is important to be able to speak, listen, and write well, in addition to providing presentations, facilitating meetings and training, and create reports.
• Creativity skills: A creative capacity will be required from this post holder to assist in generating solutions to unique issues and challenges.
• Integrity: An undivided and unbiased mentality is required while executing tasks. This person will be trustworthy, hold confidence and resilience when faced against tough situations.
• People skills/relationship building: This job requires excellent influencing skills along with a desire to deliver a high-quality end-user experience. Relationship building is key in earning trust, respect, and credibility with both suppliers and colleagues. Strong negotiation skills across all levels of the business and across the various cultures within our global supply base are required as is the aptitude to work both independently and to be a strong team player.

Travel:

• Yes

M/F/D/V EOE DFWP SO