Senior Category Buyer, Cylinder Gases

Job Summary

The Senior Regional Lead Buyer supports the development, implementation and execution of category and related sourcing strategies for Gases, Cylinders, and Valves while working closely with Messer stakeholders to support business requirements, develop and maintain supplier relationships, and manage contract lifecycles.

This position will report to Manager, Regional Category. Activities include, but are not limited to, reducing costs and optimizing supply via negotiation, examining market trends to make strategic buying decisions, developing strategic suppliers, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to progress critical business objectives.

Why Messer?

Messer is the world’s largest privately held industrial gases company and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on.

The true strength of Messer is our people at every level and in every role.

Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive company with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care.

Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter.

Principal Responsibilities

• Support the following categories : Cylinders High pressure, low pressure, steel, aluminum, and refrigerants.
• Valves Spec gas, industrial, refrigerants, and associated accessories.
• Packages Gases Acetylene, propane, air gases, and assorted spec gases, among others.
• Support the development and implementation of regional procurement strategies to align with business objectives while delivering cost savings, maximizing supply chain efficiency, and mitigating risk.
• Develop, negotiate, and maintain contracts with global / regional suppliers, to execute strategies and achieve maximum value for Messer with respect to pricing, terms, and service level.
• Own strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier selection, evaluation, and negotiations within assigned categories, focusing on cost competitiveness, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate throughout all levels of cross-functional and cross-country stakeholders to align procurement activities with business objectives, identify and execute projects, and foster meaningful relationships to maximize Procurement’s positive impact throughout Messer and promote growth.
• Monitor market trends and industry developments to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvement, risk mitigation, and technology innovation.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, safety standards, quality requirements and organizational policies during the procurement process.
• Analyze categories, collect benchmarking data, and identify potential value chain opportunities.
• Analyze data and performance metrics to identify and deliver cost savings objectives and improvement projects.
• Manage strategic supplier base and identify new suppliers as required to cultivate strategic relationships that optimize cost, mitigate supply chain risks, and progress Messer’s business objectives.
• Support local procurement teams as required.

Required Skills

• Negotiation : Proven track record of achieving cost savings and favorable terms.
• Influencing & Conflict Resolution : Strong background in achieving cross-functional alignment and managing conflict to progress organizational objectives.
• Technical Knowledge : Understanding of industry standards, regulation, and best practices related to the procurement and management of assigned categories.
• Procurement Proficiency : Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and contract negotiation within the industrial or specialty gas sector.

Ability to develop and implement sourcing and category strategies that optimize cost, quality, and mitigate supply chain risk.

• Relationship Management : Be able to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders to foster collaborative environment that maximize value.
• Cost Optimization : Ability to identify cost-savings opportunities through negotiation, volume consolidation, process improvements, and other applicable means.

Experience with assessing total cost of ownership and pricing benchmarking.

Data Analysis : Expertise in data analysis tools and methodologies for analyzing market trends, supplier performance measures, and procurement KPIs.

Skill in extracting useful insights from data to aid decision making and develop actionable initiatives.

• Problem-Solving Skills : Strong problem-solving skills are required to manage supply chain difficulties and overcome issues such as supplier interruptions, inventory shortages, and nonconforming product.
• Project Management : Lead procurement initiatives from start to finish and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications (must have)

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Engineering, or Business-related field
• Five or more years of experience in procurement, sourcing activities, supply chain, and / or cost management.
• Experience in a manufacturing setting in technical or business-related positions, particularly international experience, is highly helpful.

Qualifications (nice to have)

• Professional certification in procurement or supply chain management (CPSM, CSCP)
• 3+ years of experience in one or more of the assigned categories preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in regional or multinational role preferred.
• Previous chemical industry experience strongly preferred.
• Six Sigma or Lean Tools experience preferred.
• Master’s degree in business administration or related field
• Experience with ERP system.

Systems / technology

• Coupa
• Microsoft suite plus Visio

About Messer :

Messer’s safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives.

We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another.

We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression.

We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different.

If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call (877) 243-1030.