At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and oversee procurement for our Dundee and Oslo sites.
- Company: Join Abbott, a global leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by optimising supply chains and driving improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
Senior Buyer – Procurement Team (Dundee, Scotland)
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that operates across diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and medicines. We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to support our Cardiometabolic Business Unit, overseeing procurement for the Dundee (UK) and Oslo (Norway) manufacturing sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage raw material supply and supplier relationships for the Dundee and Oslo sites.
- Lead strategic, operational, and transactional sourcing activities to ensure continuity of supply and business performance.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on sourcing strategy, supplier diversification, risk mitigation, and cost optimization.
- Oversee procurement of raw materials, chemicals, biologicals, and commodities, and support demand planning and forecasting.
- Partner with Sales, Marketing, Planning, Engineering, and Operations to maintain inventory accuracy and material availability.
- Lead supplier selection activities and negotiate contracts, pricing, minimum order quantities, and lead times.
- Act as primary point of contact for strategic suppliers, resolving supply, production, delivery, and engineering-related challenges.
- Manage strategic third‑party manufacturing relationships, tool transfer projects, component lifecycle management, obsolescence planning, design improvements, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
- Collaborate with Procurement and Engineering teams in Oslo to support inventory planning, forecasting accuracy, and supplier performance.
- Support Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), providing insights into supplier performance, tool maintenance planning, and spare parts management.
- Generate procurement reports and cost analyses to support business decision‑making and continuous improvement.
- Support broader Dundee procurement activities as required by the Supervisor, Procurement, Planning & Control.
Required Qualifications
- Degree qualification or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, or supplier management.
- Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
- Experience utilizing ERP systems.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and multitasking skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast‑paced, matrixed, and geographically diverse environment.
- Willingness to travel approximately 10%, including occasional international travel.
Preferred Qualifications
- APICS certification.
- Experience within life sciences, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or another highly regulated industry.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Experience working within a global enterprise or cross‑divisional organization.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships while delivering a customer‑focused approach.
Location and Work Arrangement
United Kingdom – Dundee, Scotland (17 Luna Place). Standard work shift. Travel: Yes, 10% of the time.
Compensation
The base pay for this position is N/A. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
Equal Opportunity Statement
An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.
Senior Buyer employer: Abbott Laboratories
Abbott Laboratories is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of South West UK. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training and a competitive benefits package that supports both personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Abbott Laboratories.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Abbott Laboratories:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Abbott Laboratories. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Abbott Laboratories.
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbott Laboratories
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Abbott Laboratories!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Abbott Laboratories. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Abbott Laboratories's culture.
