The Lead Buyer plays a critical role in procurement, managing strategic and tactical purchasing activities to ensure optimal supplier performance and supply chain efficiency. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, stakeholder collaboration, and mentorship within the purchasing team.

What You Will Do

• Lead and support resolution of complex supply issues and drive key process improvements.
• Manage supplier portfolios, ensuring timely purchase order placement and order confirmations.
• Communicate forecast requirements to suppliers and maintain accurate master data in transactional systems.
• Act as the first point of escalation for supplier issues and support team members with resolutions.
• Monitor supplier performance using standard metrics, prepare scorecards, and define improvement activities.
• Represent the purchasing function in cross-functional meetings and support strategic procurement initiatives.
• Identify supply chain risks, lead improvement projects, and collaborate with stakeholders on preventive actions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, mentoring team members and ensuring adherence to best practices.

What You Need

Required:

• Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Purchasing, Procurement, or Manufacturing.
• Proficiency in English and German (written and spoken).

Preferred:

• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or JDE.
• Strong knowledge of MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Prior experience in supplier relationship management and regulated industries (e.g., medical devices).
• Understanding of continuous improvement and cost reduction methodologies.