At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end indirect procurement and collaborate with various stakeholders.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on sustainable procurement and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enhance your career in a supportive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving procurement performance and driving business value.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or 8 years of relevant experience; strong negotiation and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
The Indirect Buyer is responsible for end-to-end Indirect procurement for the assigned plant responsibility, from stakeholder requirements and supplier selection through requests for proposal, negotiation, contracting and purchase-to-pay execution.
Through market intelligence, supplier management, process improvement and cross-functional collaboration, the Indirect Buyer protects business continuity, mitigates risk, improves procurement performance and delivers sustainable long-term value.
Principal Responsibilities
- Own assigned plant category portfolios, identifying opportunities to support plant performance and resilience.
- Responsible for end-to-end sourcing of assigned plant responsibility, including stakeholder alignment, requests for proposal, cost analysis, negotiation, supplier selection and award, contracting, risk management and sustained delivery of cost and business value.
- Execute competitive sourcing and buying activity in line with defined category strategies, company policies, ethical standards and relevant regulations.
- Manage supplier selection, onboarding, relationships, performance, quality, compliance and risk, including regular business reviews and timely resolution of supply, delivery and service issues.
- Ensure contracts use approved legal language and appropriate commercial terms, and support negotiation cycles by collaborating with Legal and business stakeholders to finalise agreements.
- Use SAP S/4HANA and other systems effectively to manage orders, resolve issues and support purchase-to-pay execution.
- Identify and implement cost savings, cost avoidance and process improvements that simplify workflows and improve procurement efficiency.
- Ensure procurement activity is compliant, auditable and aligned with internal procurement rules.
- Collaborate with Category Managers, Indirect Buyers, Operational Officers and stakeholders across relevant business functions to understand requirements and translate them into effective sourcing action.
- Clarify internal customer needs and translate requirements, timelines and constraints into supplier-ready requests, working across functions including Operations, Quality, Finance, HR, Logistics, IT, Legal, EHS, RD&A, Projects, Maintenance, Laboratory and Distribution.
- Coordinate demand, strategy execution, framework agreement use and preferred supplier adoption across the plant, while providing responsive procurement support for site needs.
- Where there is a standalone Indirect Buyer at the designated plant, be the key contact for site leadership to represent Procurement in all related activities.
- Support P2P operations with language translations as needed when there’s communication barriers with other countries.
Knowledge and Experience
- Minimum bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or a related field. Alternatively, if no bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 8 years of plant based indirect procurement experience.
- At least 3 years of indirect procurement experience.
- Proven experience in procurement negotiations, requests for proposal, strategy implementation, contract management and supplier management, including work with senior stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, financial modelling, market research, business acumen, workload management, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.
- Fluent in English; German language skills are an advantage.
- Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and experienced with ERP systems, including SAP.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking and Execution: The ability to envision long term goals and devise plans to achieve them.
- Accountability: The ability to take ownership of one’s actions and commitments, whilst working towards the common goals of the company.
- Inclusivity & Appreciation: Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment by valuing and integrating diverse cultural experiences.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency and in-depth knowledge in a specific field or technology.
- Customer-Driven Success: Dedication to understanding and prioritising customer needs and expectations through effective interactions and management.
- Emotional intelligence: The capacity to understand and manage one’s own emotions and to empathise with others.
- Effective Communication: The ability to convey information clearly and efficiently, ensuring that the intended message is understood by the audience.
- Entrepreneurial Leadership: The ability to demonstrate agility, solving problems, making informed decisions and maintaining a forward thinking perspective.
Indirect Buyer employer: BASF
At BASF, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly at our Widnes site, which serves as a Centre of Excellence for Pest Control. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, private healthcare, and generous leave, alongside a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in making a meaningful impact in agriculture while enjoying a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect 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 BASF.
✨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 Indirect 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 BASF:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to BASF. 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 BASF.
How to prepare for a job interview at BASF
✨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 BASF!
✨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 BASF. 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 BASF's culture.
