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- Tasks: Manage purchasing of essential goods and services for smooth operations.
- Company: Join Southco, a global leader in engineered access solutions with 70 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, annual bonuses, competitive pay, and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive family culture while driving cost savings and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and five years of indirect purchasing experience required.
- Other info: Willingness to travel to other locations is necessary.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The ideal candidate is responsible for purchasing goods and services that are necessary for Southco’s day-to-day operations but are not directly used in the production of their products. Such as office supplies, IT Equipment, SaaS, Marketing etc. Essentially the Indirect buyer will manage a spend category of >$10M in order to keep the business running smoothly while focusing on cost reduction and supplier management.
Responsibilities
- Sourcing suppliers – Finding and evaluating potential vendors for indirect purchases, negotiating contracts and pricing
- Cost management – Analysing spending patterns, identifying cost savings opportunities and managing the total cost of ownership for indirect purchases
- Contract management – Ensuring compliance with supplier contracts and managing contract renewals
- Identifying needs – Working with different departments and regions within the company to understand their needs for Indirect goods and services
- Supplier relationship building – Develop strong relationships with strategic suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality of goods and services
- Risk mitigation – Assessing potential risks associated with indirect purchases and implementing mitigation strategies
- Monitor market conditions & performance – Report on innovation, price trends, potential opportunities. Utilise Scorecard to track action plans and deliver year on year improvement goals.
- Project Management – Lead Cross Functional Teams to achieve indirect project goals.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business or related areas, or technical degree (desirable)
- Minimum five years’ Indirect Purchasing Experience.
- CPSM Certification or equivalent
- Working knowledge of SAP
- Excellent communication/negotiating skills
- Ability to lead global, virtual teams
- Experience purchasing SaaS. Have a good understanding of different license types.
- Good working knowledge of global supply market capabilities, pricing policies, best practice category management, spend management, tools and templates, and effective stakeholder management.
- Willing to travel to other Southco locations
At Southco our employees are at the heart of what we do, we’re a family and strive to maintain our culture. By joining us you will benefit by:
- Private Healthcare and Dental Care
- Annual Bonus
- Globally competitive compensation
- Pension match up to 8%
- Life assurance
- Wellness initiatives
With over 70 years of engineering excellence and more than 3000 employees in 20 countries, Southco is a global leader for the manufacturing of engineered access solutions, products that you and thousands of others interact with every day. Our products form what we call "touch points", such as locks, latches, fasteners, hinges, handles and many other products that serve virtually hundreds of industries worldwide. Southco employees enjoy an excellent work/life balance, globally competitive compensation, and global and local connections with colleagues from around world who share the same vision and passion. Being part of the Southco family means being part of a success story that spans for almost a century and is still being written by people just like you today.
Indirect Buyer employer: Southco, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Southco, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in indirect purchasing, especially in SaaS and office supplies. Understanding market conditions and pricing policies will give you an edge during interviews, showing that you're proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience in indirect buying. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as this role heavily relies on effective communication and contract management. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor to practice your approach to supplier negotiations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Southco’s values and culture to align your responses during interviews. Demonstrating that you understand their commitment to employee well-being and teamwork can set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their family-oriented environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Indirect Buyer at Southco. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as sourcing suppliers, cost management, and contract management.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in indirect purchasing, especially any achievements related to cost reduction and supplier management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in negotiation and project management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the job description. Emphasise your understanding of the indirect purchasing process and how your experience aligns with Southco's needs.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to showcase your communication and negotiation skills, as well as your ability to lead global teams. Mention any experience you have with SAP and SaaS purchasing to strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southco, Inc.
✨Understand the Indirect Purchasing Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of indirect purchasing, especially in relation to the categories you'll be managing. Be prepared to discuss your experience with sourcing suppliers and negotiating contracts, as well as any cost-saving strategies you've successfully implemented.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since cost management is a key responsibility, be ready to demonstrate your ability to analyse spending patterns. Bring examples of how you've identified cost savings opportunities in previous roles and how you managed the total cost of ownership for indirect purchases.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Supplier relationship management is crucial for this role. Prepare to talk about how you've developed strong relationships with suppliers in the past, ensuring timely delivery and quality of goods and services. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to maintain these relationships.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and risk mitigation strategies. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage risks associated with indirect purchases and how you approached those challenges. This will show your ability to think critically and act decisively.
