CATEGORY BUYER JOB DESCRIPTION

A Category Buyer owns a defined portfolio of direct materials or components and keeps the factory running on cost, quality, and schedule. The role sits inside the Supply Chain or Procurement function, working daily with Engineering, Quality Assurance, and plant operations teams to execute sourcing strategy at the component level. Supplier negotiations over Long Term Agreements and cost-driver benchmarking make the job technically demanding. Total Cost of Ownership discipline and commodity market fluency separate strong performers from average ones.

As the Category Buyer, you translate category strategy into executed contracts, qualified suppliers, and measurable cost reductions across an assigned portfolio of direct materials or industrial components. The position operates within a matrix procurement structure, supporting plant buyers on operational escalations while reporting upward to a Category or Commodity Manager on strategic objectives.

Career Impact: Owning a direct-material category in a manufacturing environment builds the commodity negotiation depth and should-cost modeling expertise that Commodity Manager and Strategic Sourcing Manager roles require.

Business Impact: Every percentage point of cost reduction you deliver on a high-spend component category flows directly to the plant's annual productivity target and the organization's bottom line.

Growth Opportunity: Experience managing Long Term Agreements, supplier rationalization plans, and cross-functional engineering changes positions you to step into category leadership or global commodity ownership within three to five years.

• Own the sourcing strategy for assigned direct-material or component categories, ensuring alignment with annual productivity and cost targets.
• Lead supplier negotiations including Long Term Agreements, Development Agreements, and Warranty terms to deliver year-over-year cost improvement.
• Develop and execute supplier rationalization plans, reducing the active supply base while bundling spend with strategically qualified partners.
• Monitor supplier quality, delivery, and cost KPIs, initiating corrective action plans when performance deviates from agreed standards.
• Coordinate engineering changes and new part introductions with Materials, Engineering, and Quality Assurance to meet program milestones.
• Analyze commodity market conditions and cost drivers to anticipate supply risk and adapt purchasing strategy accordingly.
• Serve as the first escalation point for supplier crisis events, leading resolution across internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the Category Manager in building the Annual Procurement Operation Plan and reporting savings achievements against targets.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of direct-material or component purchasing experience, with demonstrated results in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven record of conducting supplier negotiations and delivering measurable cost reductions on an assigned spend portfolio.
• Working knowledge of supplier cost structures, engineering drawing interpretation, and material flow processes at the plant level.
• Experience managing Long Term Agreements or multi-year supply contracts, including terms, validity tracking, and compliance enforcement.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams spanning Engineering, Quality, and Finance to execute sourcing projects on schedule.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build spend analyses and benchmark supplier pricing.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal, for internal stakeholder and external supplier engagement.

• Hands-on experience purchasing commodity materials such as metals, plastics, or electromechanical components with established cost-driver knowledge.
• Background working within a matrix procurement organization, including collaboration with global commodity or regional category teams.
• Familiarity with Total Cost of Ownership modeling, Should Cost analysis, or Value Engineering methodologies applied in a manufacturing context.
• Professional procurement certification such as CIPS or equivalent, or formal training in strategic sourcing or supply chain management.

• Year-over-year material cost reduction percentage achieved against the annual productivity target for the assigned category.
• Supplier on-time delivery rate across the managed supply base, measured monthly against agreed service level standards.
• Number of active suppliers rationalized per annual procurement operation plan, tracking supply base consolidation progress.
• Savings traceability ratio, measuring the percentage of reported cost reductions documented with supporting contract or PO evidence.
• Corrective action closure rate, reflecting how quickly supplier quality or delivery deviations are resolved to standard.
• Typical tools: ERP platforms (commonly SAP); productivity suites (commonly MS Office Excel and PowerPoint).

• Base Salary Range: $70,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on seniority and portfolio scope.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 12%, tied to cost savings and procurement KPIs.
• Equity: Typically not offered at this level; profit-sharing available at some manufacturers.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributes majority of premiums.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard US public holidays.
• Common Perks: Domestic and international travel budget, tuition reimbursement for procurement certifications, 401(k) with employer match.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks and verification of work authorization are conditions of employment for all positions. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Category Buyer owns direct material purchasing for assigned components and services within the factory, coordinating sourcing activities and supplier performance to keep production on track. Working alongside the Commodity Team and central accountancy, this role delivers purchasing strategy execution, cost discipline, and supply continuity across a manufacturing product line.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Direct Material Purchasing activity in the factory for the assigned components and services.
• Ensure maximum collaboration with the Commodity Team and implement action plans within the product line.
• Give input on production needs such as volume increases.
• Report on possible bottlenecks at operative level including production and tool capacity.
• Ensure proper administration in the factory.
• Develop good relationships with preferred suppliers.
• Ensure execution of sourcing activities and relevant information flow.
• Participate and support in build-up of purchasing strategies and ensure their execution.
• Participate and support in reaching KPI results.
• Maintain up-to-date administration including price index management and billing discrepancy resolution in cooperation with central accountancy.
• Follow up on supplier performance and take corrective actions when agreements are not met.
• Coordinate new suppliers, parts, and engineering changes with Materials, Engineering, Quality Assurance, and external suppliers.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, resolve problems, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Business or Engineering preferred.
• 3 years of progressive responsibility in a business function.
• Relevant experience in purchasing, supply chain, or quality.
• Proven track record of effective purchasing management in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in supplier market and sourcing.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of engineering drawings of component parts preferred.
• Expertise in supplier processes and cost drivers strongly preferred.
• Experience in project leadership.
• Material flow process knowledge.
• Ability to think and operate at an operational level.
• Confidence and ability to interface internally and externally.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Result driven and action oriented.
• English required; any other language is an asset.

Embedded within the Procurement Office in Krakow, the Category Buyer manages the full Category Mobility portfolio - including Travel and Fleet - across a European supplier base, implementing category strategy and driving measurable cost savings. Working closely with Local Site Buyers and internal stakeholders, this role builds the procurement infrastructure needed to support compliant, data-transparent purchasing operations across the business.

Core Functions

• Manage the assigned Category Mobility including Travel and Fleet and its corresponding supplier base in Europe.
• Define and implement category and sub-category strategy.
• Review supplier base, define a robust preferred supplier base, reduce the number of suppliers, and bundle business accordingly.
• Follow overall Indirect Procurement Saving and Cost Avoidance targets, benchmark responsible category spend frequently, and identify potentials.
• Lead supplier negotiations and implement identified potentials accordingly.
• Report cost-saving potentials, achievements, and cost avoidance using established Procurement templates and tools.
• Analyze purchasing data and ensure data transparency and high data quality in all Purchasing systems.
• Follow Group Procedures and cooperate closely with Local Site Buyers and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance across all Purchasing activities.
• Improve and implement standardization for assigned categories including standard documents and common services and goods.
• Manage contracts, conclude agreements, ensure transparency, and review terms and validities frequently.
• Drive continuous improvement of available procedures and systems in respect of Indirect Purchasing.
• Pursue global alignment and collaboration in case of potential synergies across regions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or any Procurement-related discipline.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in the automotive industry or any other manufacturing industry conducting Purchasing activities in the Category Mobility including Travel and Fleet.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and in an international environment.
• Experience with negotiations and contract management of international and local suppliers.
• Ability to analyze complex data and develop strategies.
• Ability to develop practical or innovative alternative approaches to meet objectives.
• Excellent stakeholder management and presentation skills, well-organized, with ability to set priorities.
• Self-motivated, independent, focused on results, enthusiastic, committed, and a strong team player with good listening and observation skills.
• Fluent in English; German is an advantage but not mandatory.

Reporting to the category management team, the Category Buyer shapes long-term supplier strategies across designated categories while maintaining close alignment with operational purchasing teams who manage daily escalations from Materials, Quality, and New Product teams. Partnering with engineering and a global supply base, this role delivers contract negotiations, cost reduction programs, and technology-driven value that directly supports the five-year business plan.

Primary Duties

• Develop Category Strategies for each area of responsibility and work with the wider business to ensure strategies are implemented in a timely manner.
• Ensure early engagement with engineering and suppliers to source the best products from the beginning of projects.
• Manage multiple resource and capacity projects with suppliers to ensure achievement of the five-year plan.
• Identify and drive cost reduction activities.
• Lead contractual negotiations with suppliers including Long Term, Development, and Warranty Agreements.
• Develop and lead global supplier relationships to deliver tangible mutual benefits.
• Work with suppliers and engineering to identify new technologies to reduce cost or add additional value to machines.
• Build strong relationships across the organization and the supply base, and make and influence key decisions in the best interest of the business.

Skills & Qualifications

• Significant procurement experience, preferably within a manufacturing business.
• Experience developing and implementing successful long-term category strategies.
• Understanding of key cost drivers within a supply base.
• Experience managing multiple projects and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery.
• Experience managing high-level supplier relationships and delivering tangible benefits, preferably within global organizations.
• Ability to build strong internal relationships, preferably with technical engineers.
• Confident negotiator with a proven record of creating cost ideas and delivering significant reductions.
• Experience working with a global supply base; ability to travel globally is a requirement.
• Resilient, adaptable, and open to change, with a sense of urgency and determination to succeed.
• Strong communicator who can vary approach depending on the audience.
• Works well within a team and supports and drives others where needed.
• Operates effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and presents solutions rather than obstacles.

Sitting at the intersection of procurement strategy and supply chain performance, the Category Buyer develops and executes purchasing strategy for the connection systems category across 11 EMEA plants within the Product Business Unit. Operating across commercial negotiations, supplier rationalization, and program alignment, this role drives year-over-year material cost improvement and long-term business sustainability reporting to the Lead Category Manager.

Duties

• Develop and execute a Category Purchasing Strategy to create competitive advantage for the Business Unit and ensure long-term business sustainability and annual performance objectives.
• Build and manage supplier relationships and effective supply chain partnerships.
• Monitor market conditions for all cost drivers in the dedicated category and adapt the purchasing strategy accordingly.
• Anticipate repercussions for the business and generate performance improvements or build and implement mitigation plans.
• Plan, execute, and monitor the sourcing process for the respective portfolio to ensure alignment with key program requirements and customer milestones.
• Develop a supplier rationalization plan for the category and identify strategic suppliers based on quality, service, technology, and price.
• Negotiate all commercial terms with suppliers to drive year-over-year material cost improvement.
• Monitor supplier quality and support the Supplier Development Group with problematic suppliers.
• Report to the Lead Category Manager.

Requirements

• Master's degree from a commercial or technical university; mechanical, chemical, or technical background preferred.
• 3 or more years of purchasing experience.
• Experience in purchasing of copper, brass, and steel.
• Strategic planning and execution thinking.
• Strong negotiation skills and excellent communication skills.
• High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.
• Good knowledge of MS Office.
• Highly motivated and capable of operating with minimal guidance.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of German would be an advantage.

A key member of an international procurement team, the Category Buyer leads supplier negotiations and operational relationships for a portfolio covering Equipment and Transformer plants, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery targets are met on a sustainable basis. Collaborating across Business Units, Material Productivity Leaders, and Pole and Regional Category Managers, this role contributes to purchasing database accuracy and serves as the first escalation point for supplier crisis management.

Functions

• Ensure operational relationships with allocated suppliers and drive sustainable competition into the supplier panel.
• Manage the Request for Quotations and offer selection in consistency with the category strategy.
• Lead concentration plans on targeted suppliers while monitoring and eliminating business risks related to suppliers and supply.
• Lead regular negotiations.
• Identify and coordinate implementation of Technical Productivities, Supplier Changes, and related stakeholder activities including Business Units, Material Productivity Leaders, and Suppliers.
• Lead a global approach for allocated suppliers including supplier development, performance review, global negotiation, Should Cost approach, and Lean initiatives when bearing a Supplier Leader role.
• Contribute to purchasing database and tools updates by providing necessary information to Pole Category Manager, Regional Category Manager, and Procurement Assistant.
• Serve as the first escalation level for supplier crisis management.

Experience & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Purchasing with 3 to 5 years of experience, or Engineering degree with experience in purchasing.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Procurement skills including Supplier Management, Category Strategy, and Procurement Tools.
• Legal aspects, risk management, and contract implementation knowledge.
• Cost and value analysis and Total Cost of Ownership understanding.
• Quality and Supply Chain knowledge.
• Ease with digital and IT tools.
• Project Management skills.
• Leadership skills and cross-cultural awareness.
• Remote management capability.
• Ability to communicate effectively with influence and convincing skills at all levels including Top Management.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Revenue, profit, GMROI, and stock turns performance for the Impulse, Greetings, and As Seen on TV portfolio depend on the Category Buyer, who delivers end-to-end management of ranging, supplier relationships, pricing, packaging, and promotional plans. Based within the Category Manager Gifting and General Merchandise reporting line, this role works closely with Supply Chain, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, and Store Planning to maximize program cut-through across licensed and corporate post office networks.

Accountabilities

• Utilize an effective range planning tool to build retail, online, and wholesale ranges for the category.
• Identify and work with the appropriate supplier base to deliver strategic plans.
• Develop and execute a promotional plan for the category covering retail, wholesale, and online channels.
• Ensure maximum profitability from promotional offers while maintaining customer appeal.
• Work with the supplier base to ensure strong support through promotional funding and exclusive offers.
• Ensure all vendors have up-to-date and current trading terms.

Technical Qualifications

• 3 or more years of experience in Retail Buying.
• Experience in development and delivery of category programs.
• Experience in delivering growth through successful impulse programs.
• Experience in dealing with both corporate and licensed or franchised networks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception through implementation and realization of program objectives.

As the Category Buyer, this role leads vendor shortlisting, tender management, and contract negotiations for a designated category while supporting the Category Manager across sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, and compliance obligations. The procurement team relies on this work to ensure the supply base can meet evolving business needs, customer bid requirements are satisfied, and internal governance and audit standards are maintained.

Activities

• Manage aspects of the sourcing phase including vendor shortlisting, competitive tender management, price negotiations, and contract negotiations.
• Support the category team across multiple projects to ensure production and new product development requirements are satisfied.
• Establish contracts for requirements within the designated category with multiple vendors.
• Support the Category Manager by contributing to supplier relationship activities such as creating materials for regular business reviews.
• Support the category manager in evolving the relevant category strategy within a dynamic team.
• Work with the procurement capability team to ensure the supply base can meet the evolving needs of the business.
• Identify cost savings opportunities using various methods justified in line with the life cycle cost reduction process.
• Conduct price analysis and benchmarking activities to assist with negotiations.
• Support customer bids by ensuring vendor quotations are valid and managing new supplier sourcing and selection.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance and customer flowdown requirements, supporting internal and external audits as required.
• Ensure the procurement system is aligned to reflect implemented agreements.

Position Requirements

• Relevant business or engineering degree or working experience in a similar role.
• CIPS qualification preferred.
• Procurement experience, preferably including category management.
• Experience working in a regulated business environment.
• Some understanding of Contract Terms and Conditions.
• Proficient level of MS Office IT skills.
• Procurement system user experience.

Category Buyer leads professional services procurement for the group - spanning consulting, temporary labor, HR, marketing and communications, and travel - attached to the head of indirect procurement and collaborating with the regional buyer. Success in the position means delivering sourcing strategy built on rigorous spend analysis, master contract execution, and stakeholder engagement that promotes procurement tools and processes across the business.

Operational Focus

• Serve as the key contact for IT stakeholders.
• Perform detailed analyses of spend and the market to create the sourcing strategy for the category.
• Identify cost reduction and optimisation opportunities and build budget.
• Manage sourcing of suppliers, RFPs, and negotiations.
• Put in place master contracts and manage their execution.
• Promote the procurement process and tools.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• 5 years of experience in indirect procurement including professional services sourcing.
• Negotiation and communication skills for internal and external engagement.
• Contract management experience.
• High level of competency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proactive and result-oriented with a team-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency in English including contractual skills.

The Category Buyer owns supplier network development and category strategy for machinery and equipment, managing high-value purchases and Total Cost of Ownership reductions across a complex internal stakeholder landscape. Reporting to the Category Manager Machinery Equipment, this role leads contract negotiations, compliance enforcement, and root cause analysis on supply issues to ensure standards for price, quality, delivery, safety, and sustainability are met.

Key Deliverables

• Develop and manage a network of reliable and financially stable suppliers.
• Develop category strategy and identify opportunities for optimizing the supply chain process.
• Manage relationships with various internal stakeholders and participate in cross-functional teams working on sourcing projects and continuous improvement.
• Manage and guide high-value purchases and strive for Total Cost of Ownership reductions.
• Ensure internal and external compliance with sourcing procedures and contracts.
• Take the lead in negotiating, drafting, and maintaining sourcing contracts, service level agreements, and price lists.
• Ensure standards for price competitiveness, product quality, delivery performance, safety, and sustainability are met by all suppliers and initiate corrective actions when needed.
• Perform root cause analysis on recurring supply issues and take the lead in initiating corrective actions for structural operational issues.
• Report to the Category Manager Machinery Equipment.

Professional Experience

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Applied Economics, Business Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in a procurement role.
• Interest and affinity for technical subjects.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Good knowledge of MS Office Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of other software and reporting tools is an asset.
• Team player with a positive attitude, hands-on mentality, and high level of integrity.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and motivation to work in a dynamic and international environment.
• Drive for ownership and results.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of Dutch and other languages is an asset.

Embedded within an international procurement environment, the Category Buyer builds supplier relationships and manages end-to-end kitchen equipment projects - from needs collection and negotiation through installation and technical acceptance - across multiple markets. Working closely with Construction, Design, and Facility departments, this role delivers efficient procurement processes through cost analysis, framework agreement review, and trend-informed recommendations that support budget realization.

Areas of Ownership

• Manage projects for supplying Kitchen Equipment including collecting needs, preparing offers, conducting negotiations, and supporting installation and technical acceptance of equipment across multiple markets.
• Lead and work on Kitchen Equipment projects developing optimum Total Cost perspective solutions.
• Ensure and coordinate delivery details.
• Communicate with suppliers and establish cooperation terms.
• Forecast needs within Kitchen Equipment and manage budget realization.
• Proceed in accordance with the company's procurement processes and systems.
• Share recommendations with the team and follow actual trends in the area of Kitchen Equipment.
• Increase efficiency of procurement processes through managing data flow, analyzing costs, and reviewing framework agreements.
• Cooperate with other departments including Construction, Design, and Facility.

Education & Experience

• University degree, preferably in Procurement, Engineering, Economics, or Logistics.
• At least 2 years of experience in a similar position.
• Knowledge of technical standards for kitchen equipment is an asset.
• AutoCAD knowledge is a plus.
• Good analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Result driven, proactive, and autonomous with a positive attitude.
• Ability to think critically and challenge the status quo.
• Strong problem-solving skills oriented toward solutions.
• Very good level of English both written and spoken.

Reporting to the category management team, the Category Buyer leads supplier relationships and negotiation across a multi-cluster industrial parts portfolio, executing category strategy through supply base optimization and the regional Annual Procurement Operation Plan. Partnering with plants and Lines of Businesses, this role monitors supplier KPIs, drives continuous improvement, and identifies redesign and supplier change opportunities to strengthen procurement performance within a complex matrix organization.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of suppliers of parts across all industrial clusters.
• Be accountable for procurement within the assigned perimeter.
• Lead the supplier relationship directly or with the category management team.
• Support the plants procurement execution.
• Lead and participate in supplier negotiations.
• Identify improvement opportunities including redesigns and supplier changes and follow implementation with plants and Lines of Businesses.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and drive continuous improvement actions.
• Execute the category strategy in the region by developing the regional Annual Procurement Operation Plan and executing Supply Base Optimization actions.

Background & Experience

• 5 years of experience as a procurement professional with a proven track record within a complex environment combined with leadership skills.
• Negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with good knowledge of Excel.
• Ability to react quickly and effectively in difficult situations.
• Ability to adapt and manage effectively in fast-paced, changing, and complex environments.
• Fluent in English with excellent verbal and written skills.
• Capability to work under pressure.
• Previous experience within a matrix organization is a plus.
• Technical or market knowledge in the electrical or power connectors category is a plus.

Sitting at the intersection of supply market intelligence and cross-functional project delivery, the Category Buyer builds medium-to-long-term supplier relationships, derives category strategy from market trend analysis, and engages early in new projects as the Category Leader interfacing with Project Management. Operating across Supply Chain, Quality, and plant operations, this role reduces lead time, safeguards supplier quality standards, and applies e-procurement solutions to drive insightful, economics-focused business decisions.

Job Functions

• Identify and lead cost saving ideas including supplier visits at plant.
• Scout for new suppliers and innovation with a deep focus on economics and business sustainability.
• Build medium-term relationships with suppliers and negotiate for the best Total Cost solution, developing long-term agreements when needed.
• Analyze market trends, derive category strategy, and apply this knowledge to promote insightful business decisions.
• Engage early in new projects to define the best technology to match project needs and targets as the Category Leader interfacing with Project Management.
• Work with the latest e-procurement solutions.
• Participate as an active member of cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Quality teams to identify best practices to reduce lead time and guarantee high supplier quality standards.
• Inform plants in advance about short and mid-term quality and logistics risks from the supplier market and put solutions in place.

Required Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma.
• Excellent computer skills including Excel, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint.
• Managerial thinking and strong negotiation, influence, and persuasion skills with a target-oriented approach.
• Problem-solving approach and teamworking skills.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Business fluency in English.
• Availability for domestic and international travel.

A key member of the ArcelorMittal USA procurement organization, the Category Buyer delivers strategic sourcing excellence across indirect categories - leading RFI and RFP development, supplier negotiations, contracting, and ongoing commodity management within one of the world's leading steel and mining operations. Collaborating with internal business partners and directing Analysts and Buyers on assigned commodity groups, this role drives measurable cost savings, risk mitigation, and ethical procurement practices aligned with company policy and goals.

What You'll Do

• Develop and lead strategic sourcing activities for assigned categories including project management, strategy development, RFI and RFP development and analysis, negotiations, supplier selection, contracting, implementation, ongoing commodity management, and contractual compliance.
• Deliver excellence in procurement activities including spend analytics, strategy development, negotiations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Participate in developing detailed sourcing strategies for a broad set of indirect categories to drive cost-saving initiatives aligned with company goals.
• Conduct research on market dynamics, cost drivers, supply base, and economic indicators for assigned projects and contracts.
• Deliver value-added results by applying financial analysis principles and procurement discipline.
• Develop strong relationships with internal business partners to capture business requirements, develop sourcing strategy, evaluate supply market responses, and negotiate agreements that deliver best value.
• Support commodity events managed at the global level to ensure delivery of business plans and commodity strategies.
• Assess, manage, and mitigate risk and develop formal contingency plans.
• Direct, guide, and develop Analysts and Buyers assigned to specific commodity groups to help prepare them for future assignments.
• Carry out company policies regarding procurement practices, standards, and ethical conduct to ensure a fair, effective, and competitive sourcing process.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a business-related field, or a minimum of 5 years of procurement, commodity management, or strategic sourcing experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Above average knowledge of Microsoft Office software including SAP, Tabware, or similar systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing sourcing strategies that have yielded measurable business results.
• Knowledge of steelmaking processes and practices.
• Specific commodity knowledge and expertise.
• Solid negotiation skills.
• Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Sound logical, analytical, and quantitative skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, adept at managing conflict to resolution, and detail oriented.
• Ability to understand the legal aspects of procurement.
• Ability to build rapport with others in the work environment.
• Ability to perform in a high-pressure environment.
• High ethical standards and ability to work within the Code of Ethics and Business Policies.

Meeting profit plan goals across commodity strategies, cost savings, total working capital, quality, and supplier rationalization depends on the Category Buyer, who delivers category strategy implementation, procurement traceability, and performance metrics for indirect service spend. Serving as the connective link between the category management team and site buyers, this role supports supply base rationalization, compliance with Delegation of Authority requirements, and business metrics reporting that measure outcomes against agreed objectives.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed profit plan goals related to commodity strategies, cost savings, total working capital, quality, supplier rationalization, and other agreed objectives.
• Ensure alignment between the category management team and the unique needs of stakeholder and site buyers during category strategy development.
• Own implementation of category strategies and associated actions to achieve cost reduction goals including Purchase Order-to-Purchase Order reductions and rebates.
• Control and improve traceability and transparency of purchasing-related savings.
• Support efforts concerning supply base rationalization and supplier development.
• Guarantee compliance with procedures and Delegation of Authority requirements.
• Develop and report business metrics that measure performance according to business objectives.
• Perform other ad hoc work assigned by the manager.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• At least 2 to 3 years of procurement experience with a focus on Indirect service procurement.
• Experience in cost analysis with strong financial knowledge preferred.
• Ability to cooperate with people of varying levels both inside and outside the organization to establish and achieve team goals and objectives.
• Good PC and software skills, especially Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; multilingual capabilities preferred.
• Ability to take actions, make informed decisions, and generate ideas to improve overall business performance.
• Ability to influence decisions and results even when not all elements are under direct control.
• Ability to establish goals consistent with company objectives and adapt plans to a changing environment.
• Potential to grow into a Commodity Manager position and beyond.

As the Category Buyer, this role owns the buying strategy and assortment development for assigned grocery categories at Weee!, identifying retail trends, managing vendor partnerships, and overseeing a team to drive sales, gross profit, and competitive pricing across a multi-dimensional retail environment. The merchandising and cross-functional teams rely on this work to deliver winning product assortments - grounded in data, marketplace analysis, and forecast accuracy - that serve customers while meeting business plan objectives.

Scope of Work

• Own sales and gross profit margin for assigned categories.
• Develop and implement strategic direction for multiple categories.
• Drive sales and gross profit through optimization of the product assortment across multiple categories.
• Promote and support company policies, procedures, mission, values, and standards of ethics and integrity.
• Provide supervision and development opportunities for junior buyers.
• Support cross-channel and company initiatives to achieve global strategic multi-channel plans.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• 3 or more years of proven experience in merchandise, forecasting, and product selection; Seafood and Meat experience preferred.
• Industry background required.
• Experience developing strong business relationships with vendors and industry leaders.
• Experience managing and creating new categories of business in a highly competitive environment.
• Experience managing margin to meet category objectives.
• Bilingual in English and Chinese.