Job Title: Buyer/ Senior Operational Procurement Specialist
About the Role
The Senior Operational Procurement Specialist is responsible for proactively managing raw material supplier performance to ensure the Material Requirement Plan (MRP) is successfully executed across manufacturing operations.
In this role, you will maintain accurate Procurement Master Data in SAP to support reliable MRP calculations and streamline purchase order creation. Working closely with Category Managers, Strategic Buyers, Accounts Payable, and internal stakeholders, you will lead vendor escalations, support global supply strategies, drive continuous vendor performance improvements, and mentor junior team members.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Performance & Vendor Management: Monitor and track supplier metrics, conduct regular open order review meetings, and drive vendor improvements in on-time delivery, quality conformance, and regulatory compliance.
Master Data & SAP Execution: Collaborate with the broader procurement team to ensure all relevant material and vendor master data, as well as outline agreements, are accurately created and maintained in SAP.
Escalation Management: Manage Level 2 vendor escalations, including expediting delivery confirmations to meet production needs, handling MRP-driven schedule changes (push-outs/pull-ins), resolving missing PO confirmations, and addressing delivery issues.
Financial & Invoice Resolution: Cooperate closely with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice queries, price discrepancies, and payment holds in a timely manner.
Vendor Returns & Cost Recovery: Manage and resolve vendor return processes (RMA), ensuring cost recovery, credit notes, and material replacements are processed efficiently.
Sourcing & Contract Negotiation: Lead competitive bidding processes (RFx market interventions) per Lonza policy and execute direct supplier negotiations for low-value contracts.
Strategic Alignment & Material Onboarding: Support Category Managers and Site Strategic Buyers with the implementation of supply strategies, while assisting internal cross-functional stakeholders with the onboarding and approval of new raw materials and suppliers.
Mentorship & Team Leadership: Supervise and train junior team members and new joiners, serving as a operational escalation lead within the procurement team.
General Operations: Perform other related operational duties and strategic project support as assigned.
Key Requirements
Procurement & Supply Chain Experience: Strong operational procurement background with a track record of supplier management, order execution, and vendor performance management.
SAP Expertise: Advanced proficiency with SAP procurement modules, MRP calculations, PO creation, and Procurement Master Data management.
Vendor Negotiation & RFx: Demonstrated experience running competitive bid processes (RFx), negotiating terms for standard supplier agreements, and handling RMAs/cost recovery.
Problem Solving & Escalation: Excellent resolution skills to troubleshoot invoice holds (AP queries), delivery delays, pricing discrepancies, and inventory risk.
Cross-Functional Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with Strategic Buyers, Accounts Payable, Quality, Manufacturing, and external suppliers.
Leadership & Coaching: Demonstrated ability to guide, mentor, and supervise junior operational procurement staff.
About Lonza
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow.
Our core values—Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion, and Integrity—define how we work together and succeed. Everyone's ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. Lonza is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee can grow and make a meaningful impact.
Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people.
