Buyer

Roles and responsibilities

A Buyer plays a crucial role in the procurement and purchasing functions of an organization. They are responsible for sourcing and acquiring goods and services at the best possible price and quality, ensuring the organization has what it needs to operate efficiently. Buyers typically work in retail, manufacturing, and other industries where procurement is essential. Below is a breakdown of the key skills required for a Buyer:

1. Negotiation Skills

• Supplier Negotiations: Ability to negotiate with suppliers to obtain the best possible terms on pricing, delivery schedules, and payment terms.
• Conflict Resolution: Managing conflicts that may arise during negotiations or after purchase orders are placed, ensuring the organization’s interests are protected.
• Effective Bargaining: Negotiating for bulk discounts, better payment terms, or improved service agreements while maintaining positive supplier relationships.

2. Market and Product Knowledge

• Product Understanding: Deep knowledge of the products or services being purchased, including their quality, specifications, and potential alternatives.
• Market Trends: Staying informed about market conditions, including pricing trends, competitor offerings, and emerging technologies or products that could benefit the organization.
• Supplier Awareness: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of potential suppliers and the market dynamics affecting product availability and prices.

3. Analytical Skills

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluating the total cost of ownership (TCO) and ensuring that purchases are aligned with budget constraints while maximizing value for the company.
• Data Interpretation: Using data analysis to evaluate supplier performance, monitor spending, and forecast future needs.
• Market Research: Conducting research to find the best suppliers and pricing options, evaluating competitors’ procurement practices, and assessing industry standards.

4. Budget Management

• Cost Control: Ensuring purchases stay within budget limits while still meeting the organization’s needs for quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Expense Tracking: Monitoring and controlling purchasing activities and expenditures to optimize the organization's budget.
• Financial Reporting: Presenting procurement data and purchase performance to senior management and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

5. Supplier Relationship Management

• Building Long-Term Relationships: Cultivating strong, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains and favorable terms.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring: Tracking and evaluating supplier performance in areas such as quality, delivery, and customer service, and addressing any issues that arise.
• Problem Solving: Resolving issues related to product quality, supply delays, or contract discrepancies quickly and effectively.

6. Negotiation and Contract Management

• Contract Review and Management: Reviewing and negotiating contracts to ensure the organization receives favorable terms, compliance, and protections.
• Legal Knowledge: Understanding the key elements of procurement contracts, such as terms of sale, warranties, and service levels, ensuring all parties comply with legal requirements.
• Risk Management: Identifying risks associated with suppliers or purchases and creating contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions.

7. Time Management and Organizational Skills

• Prioritizing Orders: Managing multiple purchasing projects simultaneously and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Inventory Management: Ensuring that inventory levels are sufficient without over-ordering, which requires careful planning and tracking.
• Efficient Workflow: Organizing daily tasks such as sourcing, order placement, and vendor communications to maintain an efficient workflow.

8. Attention to Detail

• Order Accuracy: Ensuring that purchase orders are accurate, complete, and correctly submitted to suppliers, avoiding costly mistakes.
• Contract Accuracy: Reviewing supplier contracts and ensuring all details, such as prices, quantities, and delivery terms, are accurate.
• Product Quality: Inspecting products upon delivery to ensure they meet the required specifications and quality standards.

Desired candidate profile

Under the supervision of the Purchasing Director-Packaging, the incumbent ensures the supply for the packaging categories assigned to him/her, namely flexible packaging, flat cardboard or corrugated cardboard. He/she also ensures the availability of goods in factories by managing supplier relations, contracts and purchase orders. The Packaging Buyer participates in the search for new suppliers and continually aims to optimize the purchasing process in order to ensure top-quality service from our suppliers. Continuous improvement is part of his/her daily life.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate supply contracts
• Look for new sources of supply to optimize the total cost of acquisition of raw materials and continue our growth.
• Actively participate in supplier qualification.
• Keep product/supplier information sheets up to date to ensure the proper functioning of the manufacturing system (SAP).
• Plan and process orders.
• Manage supply chain issues.
• Conduct analyses to support decision-making.
• Stay abreast of best business practices in terms of purchasing processes.