Buyer

Job Description Ensure the optimized and stable supply of materials and services to the manufacturing units, maintaining strong alignment with other members of the unit's purchasing team and with regional category management. Execute support activities and tasks throughout the Source-to-Contract (S2C) area, in accordance with business needs and expectations. Lead and develop processes and procedures, suggesting methods to update, simplify, and improve the unit's purchasing processes, procedures, and technologies. Continuously seek opportunities to optimize the total cost of ownership (TCO), working together with the unit's key stakeholders and supporting the implementation of regional category strategies. Main responsibilities MASTER DATA Actively monitor the supplier base and mitigate risks with third parties. PRICE AND CONDITIONS MANAGEMENT Ensure and monitor contractual compliance for unit-specific raw materials, packaging, and key indirect categories. Responsible for selecting suppliers and negotiating specific unit contracts, in accordance with the external expenses policy. P2P ADMINISTRATION Approve indirect purchase orders above 5,000 euros in the system. PROCESS SUPPORT Lead and develop purchasing operations, processes, and procedures in the unit to ensure sustainable and quality supply. Engage and motivate the unit to operate according to purchasing policies, processes, and procedures. Act as an ambassador for the purchasing area, actively contributing to the development of the local team's capabilities and skills. Manage ISO audits and internal audits for the Indirect category. PURCHASING STRATEGY SUPPORT Identify and drive cost reduction opportunities in the unit, in alignment with regional category strategies. Collaborate with the unit to align spending with designated suppliers in the Indirect category. Lead and support the implementation of category strategies in the region and, together with transactional buyers, maintain all relevant supplier documentation in the systems. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Manage complaints and evaluations of plant suppliers, according to Ahlstrom tools and procedures for direct materials and key plant services. Provide regular feedback on supplier performance and contractual compliance to category managers. INTERNAL STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT Collect and understand the unit's business requirements, communicating them to the purchasing organization (category managers). Be the main point of contact and escalation for unit management; participate in local leadership meetings. Work with the regional indirect purchasing team to align priorities and activities for the units. Promote the standardization of products, services, and processes. SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP Directly manage supplier complaints for indirect categories. PROJECTS Lead local projects in alignment with category strategies and CAPEX guidelines, facilitating quotation requests. Support and implement best practices in CAPEX investment purchases below €0.5 million, ensuring early involvement of the purchasing area in projects. Collaborate with CAPEX Purchasing Project Managers to ensure the timely and reliable implementation of medium and large-scale projects. Requirements Minimum of 5 years of experience in Purchasing Proven experience in supplier relationship management Skills in commercial and contractual negotiation Proven experience in conducting and executing activities in S2P processes Experience in service procurement is highly recommended Advanced English Bachelor's degree Good written and verbal communication skills, as well as teamwork skills Ownership mentality, with a strong work ethic and adherence to policies and processes Focus on customer service and excellent interpersonal skills Good business, commercial and financial acumen Critical thinking, good analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to work under pressure and meet critical deadlines Ability to influence and persuade Good negotiation skills Collaborative spirit and genuine teamwork, proactively supporting initiatives Willingness and ability to constructively question own and others' beliefs Attention to detail and ability to see the big picture Good IT skills and interest About Ahlstrom Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Join our journey to create a more sustainable world with products and solutions that Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. We are deeply committed to building and maintaining safe and inclusive environment and culture, where everyone feels valued and respected. At Ahlstrom, we all have equal opportunities to belong and reach our full potential. Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 6,800 people. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Purchasing and Supply Chain Industries Paper and Forest Product Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr