Job Title: Lead Buyer - CAPEX, MRO, and Facilities
Location: Cologne, Germany
Company: Fast-Growing Pharmaceutical Industry Leader
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us:
My client is a fast-growing, dynamic pharmaceutical company undergoing a significant transformation. As we scale, we are reimagining how we operate and deliver value to our customers, making strategic investments in facilities, machinery, and other essential infrastructure. To support this transformation, we are seeking a Lead Buyer for CAPEX, MRO, and Facilities to take charge of sourcing, negotiating, and managing purchasing activities for capital expenditures, maintenance, repair, and operations, and facilities management. This is a key leadership role that will help drive efficiency, cost control, and innovation in our procurement processes.
Key Responsibilities:
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) Procurement:
- Lead the procurement of capital equipment, machinery, and infrastructure projects to support ongoing growth and transformation initiatives in the pharmaceutical business.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and R&D teams, to define requirements, specifications, and timelines for CAPEX projects.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms with suppliers to ensure cost efficiency, quality, and timely delivery.
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) Procurement:
- Manage the procurement of MRO supplies and services critical to the ongoing maintenance of machinery, equipment, and facilities.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key MRO suppliers, ensuring the highest quality of products and services at the most competitive prices.
- Implement strategies to optimize MRO inventory levels, improve maintenance schedules, and reduce operational downtime.
Facilities Management Procurement:
- Oversee the procurement of facilities-related goods and services, including but not limited to building maintenance, cleaning, utilities, and other facility management needs.
- Ensure all facility procurement activities are in line with company standards, safety regulations, and operational requirements.
- Lead the sourcing and management of facility-related services, ensuring the optimal running of company buildings and infrastructure.
Supplier Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong, strategic partnerships with suppliers in the CAPEX, MRO, and facilities categories.
- Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, cost, reliability, and service levels, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
- Regularly review and assess supplier contracts to ensure compliance with agreed terms and identify opportunities for renegotiation or improvement.
Cost Optimization & Budget Management:
- Develop and manage budgets for CAPEX, MRO, and facilities procurement, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and cost control.
- Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives while ensuring the continued quality and efficiency of operations.
- Monitor and report on spending against budget, providing forecasts and highlighting areas of concern to senior leadership.
Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Manage procurement projects from initiation through execution, ensuring alignment with company priorities and timelines.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, engineering, and legal, to ensure procurement strategies support broader business goals and compliance requirements.
- Coordinate with project managers and technical teams to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
Process Improvement & System Implementation:
- Continuously assess and improve procurement processes to enhance efficiency, minimize lead times, and increase overall effectiveness.
- Work with the IT department to implement and optimize procurement systems and platforms, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the business.
- Champion digitalization in procurement processes, from sourcing to contract management and supplier collaboration.
Risk Management & Compliance:
- Identify risks related to CAPEX, MRO, and facilities procurement, developing strategies to mitigate these risks.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with relevant pharmaceutical industry regulations, environmental standards, and health and safety requirements.
- Ensure contracts and agreements meet legal and compliance standards and align with company policies.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in procurement, with a focus on CAPEX, MRO, and facilities in a pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment.
- Leadership: Proven track record of leading procurement teams and managing complex purchasing projects across multiple categories.
- Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory requirements and operational needs related to CAPEX, MRO, and facilities management.
- Negotiation Skills: Excellent contract negotiation skills, with a history of driving cost savings while maintaining quality and supplier relationships.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Ariba) and MS Office Suite; experience with procurement automation and digital tools is a plus.
- Project Management: Experience managing procurement projects, from supplier selection to delivery, while ensuring alignment with timelines and budgets.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master's degree or relevant certifications (CIPS, CPSM) is a plus.
- Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is highly preferred.
- Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop strategies to optimize procurement processes.
Why Join Us?
- Dynamic & Transformational Environment: Join a fast-growing company undergoing a significant transformation in the pharmaceutical industry, where you can have a direct impact on the company's success.
- Career Development: The opportunity to lead a key function within procurement and build your career in a high-impact, high-growth organization.
- Innovative Culture: Be part of a company that values innovation, process improvement, and continuous learning.
- Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary and benefits package, including performance-based incentives and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
If you're a motivated procurement professional with experience in CAPEX, MRO, and facilities management in a pharmaceutical environment, and you're looking for an exciting challenge, we want to hear from you! Join us on our journey of transformation and make a meaningful impact on the company's future.
