JOB OVERVIEW:
The Purchasing Buyer partners closely with the Purchasing Manager to develop and execute sourcing strategies within the indirect spend portfolio, with a primary focus within Corporate Services supporting Human Resources, Marketing, Consumer Insights, Treasury, and Audio-Visual functions. This role focuses on the acquisition of products and services that represent medium to high levels of risk, complexity, and spend, requiring strong analytical, commercial, and stakeholder‑management capabilities.
The Purchasing Buyer evaluates sourcing options and scenarios, reviews supplier agreements, develops data‑driven recommendations, and supports the Purchasing Manager in securing alignment and approval from Brand Leadership. Leveraging a strong understanding of business fundamentals, the Purchasing Buyer negotiates pricing, commercial terms, and service levels with suppliers to optimize total value and manage risk.
The Purchasing Buyer may lead supplier engagements or working teams as appropriate, ensuring sourcing strategies and recommendations align with Purchasing leadership direction and the needs of supported corporate functions.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Identifies potential suppliers by leveraging available resources (e.g., knowledge of supplier capabilities, industry benchmarking data), including marketing agencies and service providers; makes recommendations to department manager(s)
-Prepares and executes Requests for Information (RFIs) & Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for one or more products/services requested by Brands and supported corporate functions (e.g., Marketing agency, creative, and media services; Human Resources; Consumer Insights; Treasury; Audio-Visual);; uses analysis provided by Indirect Sourcing to actively negotiate agreements with suppliers
-Track, manage, implement & report all related projects and cost savings initiatives.
-Focuses efforts on identifying and recommending products and/or services requiring medium to high levels of spend and/or complexity
-Ensure supplier agreements, pricing and information files are current and relevant. Proactively track contract expiration dates and work with department managers to address as needed
-Identifies opportunities for cost savings/cost avoidance for the assigned categories
-Conducts cost formulation and develops cost break-outs (e.g., agency staffing and rate analysis, production and media costs, fee structures); reviews statements of work, scope, and deliverables with stakeholders to help ensure fee transparency and clear performance expectations
-Assist in maintaining effective supplier relationships
-Demonstrates an understanding of one or more product categories/industries
-Attends Supplier Meetings in order to understand capabilities, participate in business reviews, and monitor supplier financial health
-Conducts supplier performance reviews with the input of other members of the Purchasing Team, Departments, and Brands through the use of informal (e.g., observation) and formal (e.g., vendor ratings) metrics
-Presents ideas for product innovations (for further exploration)
-Addresses vendor product quality or service issues; supports other functions in vendor escalation issues as needed
-With manager(s) guidance source new products and services to support business needs of brands
-Interfaces directly and frequently with Marketing, Human Resources, Consumer Insights, Treasury, Audio-Visual, Accounting and Operations, at all levels, to support needs
-Development and maintenance of department reports including SKU management, supplier category spend, supplier performance tracking, etc.
REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:
-Minimum of five years or relevant experience
-Experience with purchasing one or more categories of products or services
-General understanding of industry-related markets
-Experience with purchasing/buying negotiation tactics
-Understanding of business/business acumen
-Knowledge and familiarity with the use of software/information systems
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
-Bachelor of Science degree required.
OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
-Strong analytical skills
-Unique combination of results orientation with ability to build strong interpersonal relations.
-Excellent organization, prioritization and time management skills.
-Proven ability to lead meetings and teams effectively. Demonstrated success in presenting in large group settings.
-Strong track record associated with negotiation, problem solving and conflict management.
-Team player, loyalty and professionalism.
-Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
-People management experience preferred but not require
-Familiarity with Marketing services and related commercial models (e.g., agency retainers, scopes of work, deliverables, and performance-based compensation)
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