Category Buyer

Location: Waterbeach

Purpose
As a Category Buyer, you will take ownership for a defined group of commodities within upholstery and soft trim, being a focal point for the business and providing commodity management expertise.
You'll manage supplier relationships, issue RFQ’s and tenders, negotiate contracts, drive cost reduction initiatives, improve supplier performance and control delivery of goods / materials to ensure smooth manufacturing operations, in a thriving NPI production environment. In addition, you will contribute to creation of commodity sourcing strategies aligned with market trends and business goals.

Key Responsibilities
- Build and manage supplier relationships, driving performance, quality and on-time delivery to Operations and other internal departmental needs and requirements
- Serve as the focal point for Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities with suppliers
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, resolving technical, quality and delivery issues in collaboration with internal stakeholders
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activity, including RFIs, RFQs, supplier evaluation and contract award
- Negotiate pricing, lead times and commercial terms / LTA’s to achieve cost savings
- Drive sustainable and ethical sourcing practices across the supply-chain
- Develop, create and deliver Procurement strategies for the commodities and critical suppliers, securing a global supply base that meets the business cost, reliability and performance targets
- Contribute to the overall Procurement make vs buy strategy, identifying opportunities and synergies both within the supply chain and current make portfolio
- Provide recommendations based on analysis, research, trends, benchmarking and best practice
- Leverage project / change management skills to manage outsourcing / re-sourcing projects
Key Performance Measures
- On-time ordering (Purchasing placement) to the MRP demand signal
- Supplier delivery (OTIF) and quality (defect rate) performance
- Creation and execution of commodity specific sourcing strategies
- Spend control (vs budget) and attainment of annual cost reduction targets
Key Challenges
 
* An appropriate balance of “Purchasing” (transactional) vs “Procurement” (strategic)
 
* Operating in an NPI business environment, meaning;
     
* Heavily reliance on master data, planning, engineering and design collaboration
 
* A high reliance on an agile yet robust supply-chain, to support variability in manufacturing processes and component design
Knowledge, Education, Skills and Experience
Knowledge:
 
* Category Supply Market knowledge, as detailed below;
     * “Upholstery” Commodity (Interior décor for Aerospace cabin systems)
         
* Upholstery, fabrics, leathers, thread, and webbing materials
         
* Critical features include appearance, comfort and durability
         
* Driven by functional needs and aesthetic design
         
* A diverse commodity driven by consumer personalisation, expanded even more through eco-friendly (renewable / recycled) and high performance requirement
Education
 
* CIPS qualification / Advanced Practitioner or equivalent is preferred
Skills and competencies required
 
* Adept at maintaining business relationships with internal and external stakeholders, even in geographically dispersed teams
 
* Able to proactively identify and evaluate issues, and problem solve with creative and innovative thinking, in complex / ambiguous situations and with incomplete data
 
* The ability to influence decision making at all levels, and across all functions
 
* Skilled negotiator with both external and internal stakeholders
 
* Collaborative team player able to work across businesses and geographies
 
* Strong initiative and commitment to accomplishing work and achieving results / deadlines
 
* Demonstrates exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers
 
* Offers new ideas and creative suggestions for continuous improvement
 
* Ability to interpret technical manufacturing drawings and part templates
 
* Actively participates in professional development and training opportunities
 
* Leader or influencer of change (processes, projects, procedures)
 
* Professional-level communication…