Buyer

The Technical Buyer is a member of the US Procurement team and will lead all materials acquisition technical procurement activities for the site.  The Technical Buyer will ensure that the Bayport site has the correct materials available to meet the site production plans and CAPEX portfolio focusing on safety and optimal value. The incumbent will provide warehouse team management.

The key objectives of the role fall into two broad categories:

• To deliver the strategic development, negotiation, delivery and ongoing management of materials vendors
• To lead the warehousing organization.

The Technical Buyer must have technical knowledge of the chemical manufacturing operations and the mechanical needs of those operations. This position requires integrating the technical requirements of those who maintain the processing equipment and the contractors who provide the materials for the site. The Technical Buyer must have a good understanding of plant maintenance and construction practices as they evaluate supply proposals from a broad cross section of contractors.

The position requires a detailed understanding of contract law and what value the terms and conditions hold in a contract negotiation. These legal concepts include seller indemnifications, limitations of liability, warranties and guarantees (length and monetary value) and legal remedies.

Requirements

Role Dimensions:

• Annual spend: 10m€
• #vendors: >300 (~100 direct and >200 with direct reports)
• Number of direct report: 1
• Number of indirect reports: 1 + 1 contractor
• Opportunity cost saving: 1-2m$ per annum

Accountabilities:

• This position – and all positions – with the US organization requires the incumbent to commit to learning, following, and practicing Process & Behavioral Safety as applicable to the position. 
• Ensure that supply for materials is safe, compliant, to the correct technical specification and on schedule to meet operational requirements.
• Produce and manage RFQs (Request for Quotations) Supervise warehouse Store Clerks.
• Lead negotiations with vendors to secure best commercial terms for the business; achieve lowest total cost of ownership.
• Identify and recommend new vendors to the businesses that can offer a commercial or technical advantage to mitigate project or asset schedule risks.
• Provide expert advice on procurement related risks, including in depth market knowledge both commercial and technical to the wider organization.
• Ensure accurate and timely management of SAP material master data and agreements.
• Process purchase requisitions; aid requisitioners on best practices in developing their requisitions.
• Produce timely and complete POs (Purchase Orders)
• Maintain stock inventories for the site. Continually assure that inventory is available in a timely manner to support tight manufacturing, maintenance, and TAR schedules.
• Implement best practices in warehouse operations that allow for optimal site reliability yet drives out unnecessary inventory thus reducing working capital.
• Onboard new vendors, vet them and get them approved for onsite work or services (as well as offsite supplies of materials)

Skills/Competencies:

Level of Education & Experience in general

• 5+ years of front-line technical procurement experience within the chemical industry.
• Contract negotiation experience required.

·Experience of leading teams in a diverse working environment.

• BA/BS degree; having a technical background would be considered a plus.
• Fluency in English essential.