Assistant Buyer – Direct Materials

Fater is an Italian company, an equal joint venture between Procter & Gamble and Angelini Industries. It produces and distributes in 38 countries, in the Western, Central and Eastern European markets, the Ace and Neoblanc brand detergent products for fabric and household cleaning. In Italy, it has been expanding the markets for absorbent products for the person since the 1960s and today produces and markets Pampers, Lines, Lines Specialist, and Tampax brand products in Italy.

Fater is a dynamic company that invests around 4% of its annual turnover in innovation. The head office is in Pescara; the production plants in Italy are in Pescara and Campochiaro (CB), abroad they are in Portugal, in Porto and in Turkey in Gebze.

THE CHALLENGE

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Assistant Buyer – Direct Materials to join our team, offering the unique opportunity to combine technical knowledge with strategic purchasing expertise. This position is ideal for recent graduates or professionals with up to 5 years of experience in procurement or a related field and it is based on our Business Campus located in Spoltore (PE), Italy.

As an Assistant Buyer, you will play a key role in our supply chain by supporting senior buyers in a dynamic environment focused on innovation, sustainability, and cost efficiency. You’ll actively participate in sourcing, contract management, and negotiations, gaining exposure to impactful cross-functional projects, including new product launches. This role offers travel opportunities within Italy and Europe and provides a platform for career growth in an international setting.

If you’re passionate about negotiation, have a technical background, and excel in relationship-building, this role presents an exciting opportunity to apply your skills while expanding your knowledge in the global procurement field.

What You Will Do

As an Assistant Buyer – Direct Materials, your responsibilities will include:

1. Strategic Sourcing & Scouting: Collaborate with the Senior Buyer in identifying and evaluating suppliers to ensure quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Contract Management: Support contract negotiations and maintain vendor relationships to secure the best possible terms for the company.
3. Project Coordination: Contribute to cross-functional projects, especially those involving sustainability, innovation, and new product development.
4. Analysis & Reporting: Perform data analysis and reporting to support decision-making, cost-saving initiatives, and supplier performance evaluation.
5. Relationship Building: Develop strong working relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers, ensuring effective collaboration in a global context.

What You Need To Succeed

Education & Background:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (preferably Business&Management Engineering) or a related technical field; a Master’s is a plus.
2. Up to 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or a relevant role.

Skills & Attributes:

1. High emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships.
2. Excellent analytical skills and comfort with numbers and data analysis.
3. Strong negotiation skills and a structured approach to managing multiple projects.
4. Fluency in English and Italian.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint).