Senior Buyer

JOB PURPOSE

Optimas is currently searching for a highly driven Strategic Sourcing Manager - International who has strong procurement and analytical experience combined with the vision to create short, mid, and long-term sourcing solutions.

In this role, you will support the development of global sourcing and supplier strategies, as well as the identification and execution of cost savings programs. This individual must be an excellent communicator and a strong negotiator who can focus and deliver the vision and strategy.

The candidate for this position must be a creative problem-solver, teamwork skills and who thrives in a dynamic environment; with analytical mind to enable decisions making and solve problems based on relevant knowledge and experience.

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Project Management – Lead sourcing projects and initiatives by working closely with key stakeholders. Identify stakeholder expectations and ensure that the sourcing project objectives, scope, and deliverables meet stakeholder expectations and that projects are delivered on-time and on-budget.

• Communication Skills – Exceptionally strong written and oral communication skills are a must. Ability to present to senior management, build relationships and become an influencer in major strategic decisions are critical to this position.

• Negotiations – Strong negotiations skills are essential in this role. Ability to negotiate complex global contracts is a must for this role.

• Information Resource – Must provide stakeholders with relevant and timely market trends and analyses such as commodity and currency trends.

• Technical Skills – A thorough understanding of manufacturing practices and the ability to understand product specifications and features are essential to success in this position.

• Analytical Skills – Identify opportunities to support and deliver the team Goals and Objectives.

• Make v Buy – Work with Manufacturing to optimise the MvB strategy and fully utilise our own manufacturing capabilities.

• Support and Step in when required for the Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager.

• Build and own senior level relationships within our supply partner hierarchy. Flex the same to get best deal for Optimas.

• Create and implement major material price movement strategy methodology including hedging, forward buying, and cost protection.

• Drive external benchmark buildout and analysis including gap analysis and required actions to achieve functional competitive advantage.

• Implement strategies to rationalize the supplier base and maximize the value of spend.

• Work closely with Commercial & bid team to ensure sourcing strategy allows for growth whilst covering the need of the strategic team.

• Implement programs to drive total cost of acquisition improvement activities to enhance margin and improve service levels. Ensure all activities lead to a strong TCA and an overall reduction in Inventory.

• Foreign Travel will be required.

KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or proven experience in a strategic sourcing role & recent in-depth knowledge of the fastener industry.

• Sense of urgency and comfort working in a fast-paced environment with a variety of simultaneous projects.

• Solid analytical skills to understand market dynamics and business requirements.

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey ideas and processes.

• Drive, determination, and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results.

• Ability to perform analysis and interpret data into actionable steps.

• Ability to build strong relationships, both internally and externally

• Focused on results – willingness to do what it takes to get the job done right

• Strong work ethic – self-starter able to demonstrate strong proactive approach and self-initiative; persistent and tenacious; excessive level of commitment and dedication to meet aggressive deadlines with high-quality results.

• Demonstrated flexibility and open-mindedness around change; positive, can-do attitude

• Strong business acumen – strong financial, strategic, operational and leadership skills. Ability to understand business models and key drivers quickly.

• Ability to see the “big picture” and use quantitative and qualitative data to create strategies that move Optimas forward.

• Multilingual skills would be advantageous

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and prior experience utilizing Business Intelligence tools is a plus.