Indirect Buyer

Job Scope The Indirect Buyer is responsible for the procurement of indirect goods and services across multiple categories including chemicals, consumables, tooling, outsourced services, and general utilities. The role supports the full procurement cycle from supplier qualification and contract management to purchase requisition and order placement. It ensures alignment with operational needs, inventory targets, and sales forecasts while supporting new product introduction and production continuity. This role is also accountable for driving supplier performance, implementing cost optimization strategies, and supporting value engineering initiatives. The Indirect Buyer ensures compliance with procurement policies, ESG standards, and regulatory requirements. Proficiency in ERP, AI, and data analytics tools is essential to maintain data accuracy, monitor supply risks, and provide reporting insights that support financial planning and continuous improvement. Responsibilities Category Management o Source, assess, and manage both new and existing suppliers across indirect categories including chemicals, consumables, specimen handling, cutting tools, outsourced services, utilities, and general services . o Align procurement planning and supplier capacity with the company’s category sales forecasts to ensure timely availability of goods and services, support revenue targets, and minimise supply disruptions. o Ensure suppliers are prequalified through the SAT ‘ Supplier Qualification Process ’ in accordance with procurement policies, internal / external required governance, risk, and compliance checks. o Apply strong negotiation skills to optimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) , manage risk, and establish long-term value in supplier agreements. o Coordinate with end users across Planning, Production, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Logistics, Human Resources, and IT to plan, purchase, and requisition indirect goods and services. o Support customer proposals by aligning New Product Introduction (NPI) requirements with sourcing capabilities, supplier readiness, and project timelines to ensure competitive and feasible solutions. o Review and process purchase requisitions (PR’s) for indirect products and services in the ERP system, ensuring proper approval routing and compliance with procurement controls. o Raise and manage supplier purchase orders (PO’s) in the ERP system to support customer demand and meet operational and sales targets. o Work with warehouse and planning teams to set and manage inventory minimum/safety stock levels for consumables. o Support and align logistics processes across BOI, import/export operations, freight management , and final delivery to ensure timely and compliant movement of goods. o Collaborate with internal stakeholders to confirm goods and services received, facilitate supplier payment, and ensure purchase orders are closed efficiently and on schedule. o Collaborate with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams to drive Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives, that add value to manufacturing processes and assets, with a strong focus on quality, safety, operational improvement and cost. Supplier Management o Manage the ‘Contract Life Cycle (CLM)’ from qualifying, formalization, negotiation, onboarding, service performance and reporting, relationship engagement, service issues, audits, renewals, extensions, amendments, and termination. o Facilitate supplier onboarding to ensure alignment with company values, operational expectations, and compliance protocols. o Lead regular supplier reviews in line with the ‘Supplier Account Management Framework’ . o Monitor supplier performance and compliance via the ERP’s ‘Supplier Performance Dashboard’ . Follow-up suppliers that fail to meet DIFOT, quality and service performance, and escalate issues where applicable. o Work with suppliers to lead Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives, driving improvements in quality, safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across manufacturing processes and assets. o Engage suppliers to actively contribute to the ‘Supplier Risk & Mitigation Matrix’ by providing risk insights and proposed mitigation actions aligned with business trends, industry shifts, and economic developments. Risk & Governance o Collaborate with the procurement and cross functional teams to maintain and update the ‘Supplier Risk & Mitigation Matrix’ , incorporating insights from suppliers, customers, business trends, industry shifts, and economic developments to enable proactive risk management. o Maintain and update ‘Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)’ to ensure alignment with category management practices and overarching business policies. o Conduct cost-benefit and capability assessments to evaluate equipment and support services considering lead times, quality, capacity, and total cost of ownership (TCO) to support strategic sourcing decisions. o Implement and negotiate supply models such as consignment stock, vendor-managed inventory (VMI), and Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery to reduce working capital requirements and improve operational efficiency. Systems & Reporting o Ensure procurement master data integrity in ERP, IPRF, e-Smart, and AI systems. o Prepare timely reports from the ‘Supplier Dashboard (SMC WIN)’ , Material LOB Report, Component Shortage Summary (APS), Chemical Expiration date, and Inventory Levels. o Leverage ERP, AI , and analytics tools to monitor sourcing risks, cost trends, and supplier performance, while maintaining accurate records to support audit readiness and reporting compliance. o Identify continuous improvement opportunities within process and systems in relation throughout the P2P process. Finance o Oversee Purchase Order (PO) management within the ERP system to ensure financial accuracy, support budget control, and maintain alignment with production planning, sales forecasts, and inventory targets. o Ensure OTIF and timely deliveries to avoid additional costs (production delays, freight, penalties, etc.). Qualification · A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field. An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage. · Minimum 5+ years of procurement experience, specifically in indirect product categories within a manufacturing environment. · Solid understanding of manufacturing operations in industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, or similar industry. · Proven experience in category management, spend analysis, and contract lifecycle management (CLM). · Familiarity with global trade compliance, including import/export regulations (ITAR/EAR). · Understanding of ESG, sustainability, and ethical sourcing practices in procurement. · Knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, or equivalents in regulated industries. · Proficient in ERP and MRP systems, Microsoft Office (especially Excel), and digital procurement platforms. · Experience in Syteline will be in advantage. · Exposure to AI tools or digital transformation initiatives in procurement is a plus. · Fluent in Thai and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Competencies/Abilities · Strong negotiation and contract management skills, particularly for indirect categories. · Demonstrated success in cost reduction and supplier performance improvement. · Experience leading supplier development, including onboarding, compliance audits, corrective actions, and quality alignment. · Ability to analyze cost breakdowns, assess financial impacts, and evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). · Skilled in the use of contract management systems. · Strong understanding of supply chain risk mitigation and regulatory compliance, including ITAR/EAR and sole-sourcing challenges. · Proven ability to manage crises such as supply shortages, product recalls, or regulatory changes while maintaining operational continuity. · Capable project manager with experience leading cross-functional sourcing initiatives and capital investment projects. · Detail-oriented and disciplined in documentation, change control, traceability, and compliance. · Strong stakeholder engagement and influence skills across functions including Engineering, Production, Planning, NPI, Quality, Finance, HR, IT, and executive leadership. · Clear and confident communicator with strong interpersonal and influencing abilities. · High integrity and a commitment to ethical procurement practices, especially within regulated manufacturing and aerospace environments.