Direct Procurement Buyer

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

The role:

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for sourcing high-quality materials at the best value? As part of our ongoing expansion, we are growing the onsite procurement team to meet increasing project demands.

You will take a proactive role in managing the performance of raw material suppliers to ensure the successful execution of the Material Requirement Plan (MRP). This includes maintaining accurate Procurement Master Data in SAP, enabling reliable MRP calculations and efficient purchase order creation. You will also support the category manager and strategic buyers in implementing supply strategies and work closely with Accounts Payable to resolve any invoice queries.

We’re seeking candidates with direct procurement experience and a proven track record of managing client escalations, both internal and external.

Responsibilities

• Manage and resolve all vendor delivery escalation issues promptly and effectively.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance, providing regular feedback to Strategic Buyers and Category Managers.
• Support the implementation of supplier changes and other procurement initiatives led by Central Category Managers and Site Strategic Buyers.
• Collaborate with the broader Procurement team to ensure all relevant material and vendor master data, as well as outline agreements, are accurately maintained and up to date in SAP.
• Conduct price negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms.
• Address and resolve delivery and shipping-related issues and inquiries.
• Oversee vendor performance, driving continuous improvements in on-time delivery, quality compliance, and adherence to contractual obligations.
• Manage and resolve vendor returns efficiently.
• Resolve all invoice-related queries in collaboration with relevant departments.

Key Requirements

• Proven track record of managing escalations with vendors effectively.
• Experience managing multiple vendors, product lines, and escalation processes.
• Demonstrated capability and proactive approach to managing an annual procurement spend exceeding £10 million.
• Solid experience in direct procurement.
• Experience within the pharmaceutical industry is highly desirable.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.
• Experience in supplier management and conducting low-value negotiations.
• Proficiency in SAP ERP (or equivalent systems) within a purchasing or procurement environment is highly advantageous.

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.