Senior Procurement Specialist

Overview

The Senior Lead Buyer will support the EU Director of Procurement in the management of an international supply base to meet business requirements in terms of purchasing, delivery, quality, and total cost of ownership. Reporting to EU Director of Procurement, lead defined category spend requirements while supporting and mentoring junior and lead buyers for all categories of spend. Work with site operations and Global Strategic Procurement to identify and develop long-term supplier relationships to meet current and future requirements. Assume category lead for defined spend category where required. Liaise with spend category leads in WuXi overseas sites to look for synergies in spend.

• Lead the process to purchase all goods and services to support the site, in line with business requirements. Monitor and mentor buyers in all spend categories as required by the business.
• Support and advise regional and overseas sites on procurement strategies for indirect or direct materials and where required capital spend.
• Work with the EU Director of Procurement to identify strategies beneficial to the business and support all escalations to mitigate risk.
• Liaise with all WuXi overseas sites to look at possible centralised strategies and synergies in category spend.
• Facilitate monthly meetings for your defined spend category with WuXi overseas buyers to align processes and strategies.
• Facilitate business reviews for vendors related to your spend category and where there is regional spend include other WuXi overseas sites.
• Support all overseas sites where the buyers with less experience may need training and guidance.
• Work with internal stakeholders to define and agree sourcing objectives for relevant spend categories.
• Lead market intelligence and RFQ following procurement principles and company policies and procedures to achieve best value for the business.
• Lead RFQ and Supplier Selection activities to ensure that any new suppliers are aligned with our business principles and always behave in an ethical and equitable manner.
• Lead negotiations and implementation of contracts and SLAs for procurement categories
• Work with EU Director of Procurement to help promote value add spend and support procurement department in achieving spend and savings targets and to align with the strategic objectives of the company.
• Lead by example for the monitoring of key metrics in the areas of supplier delivery, cost, quality, and service which clearly demonstrate performance against targets. Drive supplier corrective actions where performance falls below agreed target levels.
• Report on key metrics to senior leaders through cost and delivery counsels
• Lead Business Reviews with Suppliers to ensure that performance is to target, and expectations are clearly understood. Agree development/improvement programs where required. Drive resulting corrective actions to conclusion.
• Support all significant issue resolution programs with suppliers, with other relevant functions within the business. Be able to use structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., A3) to ensure root causes are addressed and corrective actions are effective.
• Identify supplier risk situations and work with site functions and Strategic Procurement to implement risk mitigations strategies.
• Assist with the Change Controls process where required.
• Perform all duties in accordance with GMP requirements, SOPs and controlled documents.
• Will be flexible to take on additional tasks and responsibilities at the discretion of the Site Lead and Vice President and line manager.
• Will act as a role model for the buyer and lead buyer functions and the wider organisation in adherence to the WuXi corporate core values and PROUD culture.

Qualifications:

• Third level education in business, supply chain or engineering is required.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Minimum of 12+ years’ relevant experience within a purchasing, procurement or sourcing position, preferably in a pharmaceutical manufacturing industry sector
• Proven track record leading defined spend categories is highly desirable but a broad experience across all spend categories is also favourable.
• Expert in negotiation and influencing skills with suppliers, with demonstrative results in securing competitive pricing and overall terms and conditions.
• Proven track record in leading a spend category through concept, budget preparation and execution.
• Expert knowledge of the market leaders and players for the spend category and how to solicit the necessary information to support best practices for the business.
• Knowledge and experience of the law around sale of goods and legal requirements to execute agreements and mitigate risk for the company.
• Excellent numeracy skills and accurate financial analysis and reporting.
• Expert knowledge and experience in materials management, supply and distribution chains in the market.
• Expert in procurement practices for a cGMP business
• Experience in leading a team of buyers across all spend categories.
• Experience of working across all spend categories.
• Strong working knowledge of procurement tools and platforms, processes, methods and Reporting techniques.
• A commercial background with a history in cost management and reduction
• Understanding of basic legal principles that apply to executing supply agreements and contracts.
• A team player who can work proactively on cross-functional teams as either a leader or initiative-taking participant.
• Self-reflective, initiative-taking, honest and accountable
• Problem solving, planning and analytical skills.
• Ability to collate and analyse large amounts of data in a methodical and structured manner.
• Ability to build strong and influential business relationships with suppliers to achieve business objectives.
• Strong numeracy skills and accurate financial analysis and reporting.
• Excellent oral communications, business writing skills, inter-personal and presentation skills. Ability to conduct and lead meetings effectively.
• Experience working with SAP is highly desirable.
• Leadership of cross functional teams
• Ethical and equitable in all interactions with vendors and team members
• Demonstrate diversity and inclusion.
• Responsible and accountable
• Strategic Decision Making and ability to lead is essential.
• Leadership of cross functional teams where required.
• Teamwork – ability to both lead and work as an active team member
• Interpersonal / Communication Skills is essential.
• Project management ability
• Business acumen/commercial awareness is essential.
• Flexibility to travel up to 20% of the time (Mainly Europe)

As we extend our global reach, we need colleagues interested in change, in challenge, and in building a new future together. Reach beyond yourself and discover your true potential! Apply now!

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WuXi Biologics is an equal opportunities employer.