Category Buyer

Location:
Position is Basel based, with 20% travel to Visp - once per week on average.
Hybrid Policy: 3 days on-site (either Basel or Visp) - 2 days home office.

Experienced and strategic Category Buyer to manage the procurement of engineering services (design, construction, commissioning and qualification services) to support large investment pipeline globally, within our CapEx procurement team. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills, a comprehensive understanding of the engineering services in life sciences landscape, and the ability to cultivate partnerships with suppliers to optimize cost, quality, and service.

• Contribute to development and execute the category strategies for the procurement of engineering services, including design, construction, commissioning and qualification services.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including regional project lead buyers, contract and claim management, responsible sourcing, global engineering, centres of excellence, to understand sourcing needs and contribute to projects successful execution.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess supplier capabilities, monitor supplier performance and manage supplier relationships.
• Manage entire life cycle of request for information / quotation process for large packages in his category, including negotiation of framework and project specific agreements to secure favourable terms and conditions, while ensuring compliance and mitigating contract risks, in accordance to internal policies and industry standards. Ensure timely and efficient procurement processes, from requisition to contract, while maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, and suppliers capacity dynamics to inform decision-making and minimize risk.
• Implement savings initiatives to achieve category-specific performance metrics. Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function, including process optimization and stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key metrics, supplier performance, and strategic insights.
• Onboard suppliers (existing and new) to the Responsible Sourcing initiatives (Sustainability and Decarbonization) and following up via corrective actions plans to ensure suppliers' compliance with the supplier code of conduct and other commitments.
  
  Must haves:
• CAPEX projects in life science industry (small molecules/ biologics bulk productions, FnF, labs and infrastructures)
• 10+ years procurement of engineering services, on project basis
• Contract drafting and negotiation, preferred knowledge of most common industry contract forms (IchemE, FIDIC, NEC4 ECC, JCT, etc.)
• Strategic suppliers relationship management
• English language
  
  Education
• Degree (required)* Bachelor's degree Field of Study Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• Degree (preferred) MBA or advanced degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
  
  Language(s)
• English and German Fluent

Certifications (incl. professional qualifications)

• Preferred CIPS or equivalent Issuer
  
  Work Experience
• Procurement of engineering service, category management, or supply chain within the life sciences Level* Advanced - 5-10 years
• Strong knowledge of the engineering services market, including understanding regulatory requirements and standards in the life sciences sector Advanced - 5-10 years
  
  Competencies and behaviours:
  
  Agility* managing several priorities and to reprioritize
  Business Acumen* Thorough evaluation of business case and total cost of ownership
  Collaboration* Constructive and hands-on both with internal stakeholders and external partners
  Customer Focus* Listening to customer needs and translating it in cost effective execution
  Driving Results* Perseverance and overcoming challenges, keep end goal in focus
  Leadership* Influencing and driving solutions with stakeholders and partners