We are looking for a Senior Category Buyer to manage end-to-end procurement activities for assigned Opex categories. The role will be responsible for developing and driving category strategies, sourcing and evaluating suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, managing contracts, and ensuring timely procurement of materials and services.
The role will work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure cost-effective, quality-driven and timely procurement while adhering to defined procurement processes and SLAs.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and drive category-specific procurement strategies to improve cost efficiency and reduce spot buying.
- Consolidate procurement requirements from various departments and projects.
- Identify, evaluate and finalize suitable vendors/suppliers.
- Float RFQs and ensure timely receipt of techno-commercial bids.
- Conduct commercial evaluation and comparison of supplier quotations.
- Coordinate with technical teams to resolve supplier queries and technical deviations.
- Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms.
- Prepare required procurement documentation and obtain internal approvals.
- Initiate Purchase Orders / Contracts after approval.
- Ensure execution of orders as per agreed rates, contracts and timelines.
- Follow up with suppliers for PO acknowledgement and on-time delivery.
- Handle urgent/spot procurement requirements when required.
- Identify and develop new suppliers to strengthen the supplier base.
- Support supplier evaluation, segmentation and performance assessment.
- Conduct supplier risk assessments covering financial, operational and compliance risks.
- Maintain robust relationships with key strategic suppliers.
- Monitor procurement KPIs and ensure adherence to defined SLAs.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost optimisation and procurement efficiency.
- Effectively manage communication with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
Education
- BE/B.Tech Mandatory
- M.Tech / MBA in Supply Chain Management or related discipline Preferred