Category Buyer - Indirect Materials and Services

Purpose of the job

Responsible for sourcing of strategic, tactical procurement of indirect goods and services with the objective to achieve the best total cost of ownership. To implement the business sourcing strategy and work independently to identify and deliver cost effective projects and to implement best in class industry practices.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and agree the category procurement strategy in line with company and functional objectives and guidelines.

• Consolidate, track and analyze category spend.

• Ensure transition from functional, location buying to centralized category procurement

• Identify, gain agreement (internally with other functions and externally with suppliers), develop, lead and execute projects to deliver sustainable year-on-year total company cost of ownership productivities within the category(-ies) managed, using cost modeling and total cost analysis models

- Achieve annual productivity targets

- Prepare productivity project funnel for subsequent years

• Provide periodic project updates & procurement analysis on spend, productivity by category type.

• Enhance supplier service levels through formal supplier relationship and management programs.

• Develop category profiles, perform category market analysis, track trends and development, communicate insights and benchmark products and suppliers.

• Identify product/process improvements, execute competitive sourcing processes and leverage volumes.

• Work with the legal and internal audit teams to develop frame contracts, ensure compliance, and continuously review and improve the contracting process.

• Identify ways to convert tactical buying practices to strategic annual master contracts.

• Ensure best in class terms and conditions mitigating risk to the company

• Identify, qualify & select suppliers, perform regular supplier audits, issue formal reports and follow up on agreed improvements, track supplier performance

• Issue RFQ/RFP/RFT in a timely and professional manner to ensure delivery of services OTIF.

• Issue purchase orders & ensure sourcing compliance with company policies.

• Rationalize suppliers & standardize the category to simplify operations and reduce the supply base, maintaining a sound risk profile.

• Resolve potential conflicts, coordinate quality & any other operational issues with suppliers.

Generic Job Requirements

• Relevant BsC or Masters education

• Minimum of 2 years in procurement as buyer or category buyer

• Good understanding of the Middle East supply market

• Knowledge of procurement principals, theories and processes

• Knowledge of product costing and productivity calculations

• Strong Negotiation skills

• Understanding of underlying cost drivers for the category managed

• Self motivated requiring minimum supervision to complete daily responsibilities

• Critical thinking, problem-solving and strong communication and presentation skills

• Computer skills (MS Office, Projects, ERP software/systems)

• Fluent in English; Arabic is added advantage.

Key contacts

• Suppliers, Sr. Category Buyer, Manager Logistics, Manager Warehouse – RRDC, Manager Facility, Manager Fleet, HR Advisor