Non-Production Material Buyer (Indirect & Technical Procurement)

Job Responsibilities

• Manage indirect and technical procurement categories including machinery, machining-related equipment, technical services, maintenance services, spare parts, and facility-related purchases in line with company strategy.
• Lead technical purchasing activities for machining operations, including cutting tools, drilling tools, tool holders, fixtures, and related consumables used in machining processes.
• Manage procurement activities for tool shop and mold shop operations, including raw materials, consumables, and tooling-related services.
• Develop, manage, and continuously improve the local and regional supplier portfolio for technical and indirect materials to achieve QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) targets.
• Actively source, evaluate, and develop suppliers for capital equipment, machining tools, technical services, and spare parts by leveraging technical know-how and existing supplier networks.
• Lead end-to-end technical procurement activities, from requirement clarification with engineering and production teams to supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and execution.
• Identify and implement sustainable cost reduction initiatives through specification optimization, supplier consolidation, and total cost of ownership (TCO) improvement approaches.
• Ensure continuous supply and operational continuity by securing adequate supplier capacity, especially for critical machining tools, spare parts, and technical services.
• Work closely with maintenance, engineering, production, tool shop, and mold shop teams to understand technical requirements and convert them into effective purchasing solutions.
• Take ownership of urgent and unplanned technical purchasing needs (e.g. machine breakdowns, critical spare parts, tooling shortages) and ensure fast and effective resolution.
• Conduct frequent technical and commercial negotiations with suppliers, including pricing, service scope, lead times, and contractual terms.
• Perform on-site supplier visits when required for technical evaluations, process capability assessments, and supplier development activities.
• Enhance supplier risk management, contract management, and performance monitoring practices within the assigned technical procurement scope.
• Lead all supplier onboarding, sourcing, and contract-related activities in Ariba, in compliance with purchasing guidelines.
• Make purchasing decisions within the framework of the signature and authorization regulations.
• Maintain regular communication with internal stakeholders and suppliers, and report procurement performance, savings, and risks to management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or similar preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in indirect and technical procurement within a manufacturing or plant environment.
• Proven experience in Capital goods purchasing and technical purchasing of machining-related equipment such as cutting tools, drilling tools, tool holders, fixtures, and machining consumables and raw materials
• Strong understanding of machining processes, manufacturing technologies, and technical specifications.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier management and negotiations for technical materials and services.
• Existing supplier network in machining tools, technical services, and indirect procurement categories is a strong plus.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and drive technical procurement activities end-to-end in a fast-paced plant environment.
• Experience in a global or multinational company is preferred.
• Proficiency in SAP and Ariba, with strong MS Office skills.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams.
• High standards of business ethics, compliance, and professional conduct.