Senior Buyer

The senior buyer is responsible for negotiating long-term and short-term transactions with vendors. This position also plans and incorporates strategic purchasing plans company-wide. The senior buyer is also responsible for collecting and gathering data on potential suppliers and carriers. In addition, they schedule shipping times and manage the requirements of freight travel. They also disperse information about purchasing and sales to the necessary members of production, purchasing, and sales teams. The senior buyer also negotiates the prices for services and/or products.

Employees in this position typically work in an office setting during normal business hours and report directly the vice president of supply. Generally, the senior buyer position requires a four-year degree in a related field, as well as fluency in English; however, in some cases, a minimum of three years' experience in an internal purchasing environment with positive results may also suffice. In addition, the senior buyer needs to have exceptional organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, thrive in a fast-paced industry and office atmosphere, have strong written word and verbal skills, and be able to problem solve with good business ethics. They also need to be PC literate, preferably with Microsoft programs. Some relocation or travel may be associated with the senior buyer position.

As a Senior Buyer in Singapore with 6-9 years of experience, your main responsibilities include:

• Managing procurement and purchasing activities, developing and implementing purchasing strategies that align with the organization's objectives and goals.
• Conducting market research, selecting and evaluating suppliers based on criteria such as quality, price, reliability, and delivery times.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify their procurement needs and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
• Monitoring and analyzing purchasing trends, negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers, and resolving any issues or concerns that arise in the procurement process.

For a Senior Buyer job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Extensive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, demonstrating a strong understanding of market trends, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and forecasting, allowing for effective demand planning, inventory management, and cost optimization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously, while ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and budgetary constraints.

The role of a Senior Buyer is pivotal in ensuring efficient procurement processes and supply chain management. Professionals with 6-9 years of experience in Singapore's procurement industry have various alternative roles to consider. Here are following options worth exploring:

• Procurement Manager: A position involving strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and overseeing end-to-end procurement operations.
• Category Manager: A role focused on managing specific product categories, developing procurement strategies, and optimizing supplier portfolios.
• Supply Chain Analyst: A position that focuses on analyzing supply chain data, forecasting demand, and optimizing inventory levels to improve operational efficiency.
• Operations Manager: A role encompassing overall operations management, including procurement, production, and logistics, to ensure smooth and streamlined business processes.

The role of a Senior Buyer in Singapore is expected to witness steady growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, this position has shown a consistent upward trend in terms of demand and importance within organizations. As Singapore continues to develop as a regional hub for trade and commerce, the need for skilled professionals to handle procurement and sourcing activities is expected to increase significantly. Consequently, the number of employment opportunities for Senior Buyers is projected to rise in the coming years. With the country's emphasis on strengthening its supply chain capabilities, this role is poised for continued growth and relevance in the future.