Buying Manager - Elastomers

Role Overview

This position involves comprehensive management of the supply chain for elastomers, ensuring materials are procured within predefined cost, quality, and timing criteria. The role includes active participation in category management and strategic planning under the guidance of the Procurement Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Design procurement strategies specific to elastomer materials.
• Monitor global market dynamics and trends impacting direct procurement items.
• Analyze supply markets continuously to inform sourcing operations both short and medium term.
• Develop in-depth supply profiles for managed materials, encompassing vendor, pricing, contract, lead times, and inventory aspects.
• Support senior procurement personnel in category activities, including portfolio analysis, item classification, internal cost estimation, spend optimization, alternative sourcing exploration, and contract standardization.
• Contribute to annual procurement plan and budget development, aligning with business plans and adjusting material plans as needed.
• Conduct sourcing activities such as vendor identification, negotiations, and selection for elastomer categories.
• Ensure on-time delivery of procured goods and resolve issues related to quality, quantity, or timing.
• Maintain performance dashboards to track supply management, vendor portfolio, quality reports, and take corrective action when necessary.
• Build and nurture constructive vendor relationships and manage vendor development processes, emphasizing cost reduction, quality control, and ethical compliance.
• Leverage technology, including SAP and auction tools, to enhance procurement efficiency, reduce costs, and drive transparency.
• Coordinate between procurement, operations, finance, taxation, and other relevant departments to ensure smooth material flow and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Develop procurement team capabilities by mentoring and monitoring performance, fostering commercial acumen and higher responsibility acceptance.

Additional Information

This role demands active coordination with multiple internal and external stakeholders including taxation and finance groups, highlighting the importance of cross-functional collaboration. Leadership in developing procurement talent within the team is also a critical component of the position.