Buyer

Job Title: Operational Buyer Direct III

Location: Vacaville, CA, United States

6+ months

Technology Platform: INB Mammalian

Job Summary

The Operational Buyer Direct III will proactively manage raw material supplier performance to ensure successful realization of the Material Requirement Plan (MRP). Responsible for maintaining accurate Procurement Master Data in SAP, enabling reliable MRP calculations and efficient purchase order (PO) creation. The role supports category managers and strategic buyers in supply strategy implementation and cooperates closely with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice queries.

Key Responsibilities

Monitor and track supplier performance, providing feedback to strategic buyers and category managers.

Support the implementation of supplier changes and procurement initiatives led by Central Category Managers and Site Strategic Buyers.

Collaborate with procurement teams to ensure all relevant material and vendor master data and outline agreements are current and available in SAP.

Manage Level 2 vendor escalations, including expediting deliveries, handling MRP-driven adjustments, late or missing PO confirmations, pricing discrepancies, and delivery issues.

Drive vendor performance improvements related to on-time delivery, quality conformance, and compliance.

Manage vendor returns including RMA, cost recovery, and replacements.

Conduct regular open order review meetings with vendors.

Handle Accounts Payable inquiries related to invoice issues.

Support onboarding and approval of new raw materials and suppliers in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Lead competitive bid processes and/or RFx market interventions per policy.

Negotiate low-value contracts with suppliers.

Train new hires and supervise junior colleagues.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Customer service mindset with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Positive attitude and eagerness to learn new skills.

Knowledge of general business practices.

Experience in Operational Procurement and Purchasing of Direct Raw Materials, including requisition to PO process.

Skilled in conducting competitive bid processes.

Experience managing suppliers and low-value contract negotiations.

Strong persuasion and influence skills to achieve optimal outcomes for Lonza.

Hands-on experience with SAP ERP in purchasing/procurement roles.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

APICS or equivalent MRP Planner certification is a plus.