Category Buyer

Making it easier for our customers is our top priority. That's why we operate internationally in 29 countries across 4 continents. With every order, we offer a hassle-free experience through our 14 manufacturing facilities, 34 distribution centres and 40 sales and service locations.

We have over 45,000 standard parts and one of the world’s most extensive product offerings, all available for immediate dispatch and fast delivery. Our Vision is to be “The world’s leading responsible, hassle-free supplier of essential industrial components”

We are currently looking for a Category Buyer to manage a EMEA factored goods components Category.

Based in Essentra EMEA the role covers EMEA Category responsibility. The key function of the role is to manage and prepare Category and Strategic plans identifying and delivering cost saving opportunities, working capital benefits as well as supply chain improvements and improve availability of product.

The role will involve managing supplier relationships including the Development of supplier base through early supplier involvement, innovation & strategic partnerships.

Market research and vendor identification is key, with the requirement to appraise potential vendors ensuring a correct fit from a commercial, quality and performance perspective.

Expectation will also be to manage vendor selection, cost negotiation and monitoring compliance through the Essentra purchasing agreements. In addition, Suppliers are held accountable for performance and continuous improvement including lead-time reduction, delivery, working capital benefits and where appropriate utilising Supplier Scorecards.

The role requires high collaboration with multiple stakeholders including product management, quality and commercial teams to manage the category, global collaboration will also be required with global procurement colleagues to provide best Essentra outcome.

Finally, a key requirement of the role will be managing change particularly around process improvement and supporting global product changes across multiple sites.

The role of a Category Buyer is outward facing therefore it is important the individual leads and behaves in accordance to the requirements set out in the Departmental Charter.

**Job Requirements**
- Controls, monitors and communicates regional and global component Category status and any implemented changes.
- Implement and manages robust Strategic (1-3 year) Commodity Plans agreed and signed off with all relevant stakeholders. Has a solid understanding of Supplier risk within the Category and drives a positive cost benefit.
- Coordinate monitor and report on all data and pricing changes.
- Coordinate component market intelligence where necessary and report to the business useful market information
- Take responsibility for tracking both Cost Saving & Price Increase reporting against budget and agreed plans.
- Influences and drives change management for the business
- Engages with relevant Departments influencing and driving change in meeting Objective responsibilities.
- Working with key stakeholders to define opportunities and execute the benefits
- Supports changes implemented with Global Vendors throughout the business using data to support decisions
- A flexible and positive approach to all tasks undertaken.
- Ensures adherence with regards to specific Procurement documentation and policy.
- Reviews gaps in Supplier Governance and develops action plans to address the situation
- Liaises with key stakeholders to promote Procurement with the theme of delivering and defining “What does good look like”
- Responsible to ensure all category Suppliers behave in accordance with the governance requirements
- Gathers accurate data to base core decisions on and delivers accurate reporting and judgement
- Manages, develops the commodity with an emphasis on continuous improvement methodology.
- Accountable for the EMEA Procurement Strategy for the Components Category
- Carries out the direction through the agreed Objectives for the Category
- Ensures Essentra receives excellent trading terms through benchmarking and negotiation
- Supporting the NPI process and developing strong relationships with the relevant Product Manager

**Education, Qualifications and Experience**

Essential

Desirable

Fluent English

Industrial/ manufacturing experience

Negotiation experience

Strong presentation/ communication skills

Sound commercial understanding

Strong numeracy and analytic skills

Customer service driven

Task orientated with ability to own and complete complex tasks

Language skills

Procurement experience within a category bases role

Level 4 CIPS qualification

Component purchasing experience

Commercial experience

Project Mgmt

D365 experience

Experience of working in a multi-national business

The position can be based in either Kidlington, UK or Nettetal, Germany or Lodz, Poland.

An attractive salary is on offer along with pension and further benefits.

At Ess