Description

Senior buyers are accountable for negotiating short- and long-term deals with vendors. The position also formulates and implements strategic purchasing strategies across the company. Senior buyers are also accountable for gathering and analyzing information on possible carriers and suppliers. They also plan delivery times and oversee the needs of freight travel. They also distribute information on buying and selling to the essential members of the purchasing, production, as well as sales and purchasing teams. The senior buyer also determines the price for products and services.

The employees in this role usually are employed in offices during business hours. They are directly accountable to the vice-president of supply. In general, the senior buyer job is a requirement for a degree of four years in a related field and proficiency in English However, in certain cases it is recommended that a minimum of three years of experience in an internal buying environment that has good results could be sufficient. Additionally the senior buyer has to possess exceptional organizational skills and the capability to work under pressure, excel in a fast-paced business and workplace, possess strong writing and speaking abilities, and be capable of problem solving using a good business ethic. Additionally, they must be proficient in PC, and preferably using Microsoft software. Certain travel or relocations could be required for the position of senior buyer.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Senior Buyer with 6-9 years of experience in India, you will have the following responsibilities:

  • Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery, and negotiating prices and terms for raw materials.
  • Developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing budgets, analyzing market trends, and identifying potential new suppliers.
  • Managing a team of junior buyers, providing guidance and support, and ensuring that procurement goals are met.
  • Reviewing and negotiating contracts with suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and addressing any issues or disputes that may arise.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For the role of Senior Buyer with 6-9 years of experience in India, candidates should possess the following qualifications:

  • Strong Negotiation Skills: Successful candidates must have excellent negotiation skills to obtain the best value for their company while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers.
  • Strategic Thinking: Senior Buyers must strategize the procurement process, develop long-term supplier relationships, and identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining product quality.
  • Analytical Abilities: Senior Buyers should have excellent analytical abilities to assess suppliers on a range of criteria including the financial stability of the supplier, the quality of their product/service, and their ability to deliver on time.
  • Effective Communication: Successful candidates must have strong communication skills to build relationships with suppliers, communicate purchasing decisions to stakeholders, and explain procurement policies to internal and external partners.

Essential Skills For Senior Buyer

1

Contract Drafting

2

Supplier Relationships

3

Supply Chain Analytics

4

Negotiation

5

Strategic Sourcing

Skills That Affect Senior Buyer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Strategic Negotiations

19%

Strategic Sourcing

14%

Vendor Management

14%

Career Prospects

Here are 4 alternative roles for someone with 6-9 years of experience as a Senior Buyer in India:

  • Purchasing Manager: Oversee the procurement process and make sure the company buys goods and services at the most competitive prices.
  • Supply Chain Manager: Responsible for the entire supply chain process from sourcing raw materials to delivering products to customers.
  • Strategic Sourcing Manager: Develop and implement strategies to identify and select suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
  • Procurement Operations Manager: Manage the day-to-day procurement activities of the company such as purchasing, vendor management, and contract administration.

How to Learn

The role of Senior Buyer in India is projected to witness substantial growth in the market, according to the latest data points available on Google. Over the past decade, there has been a consistent rise in demand for professionals in this position. This trend is expected to continue in the future, with a significant increase in employment opportunities. A 10-year analysis indicates a positive outlook for the job role, suggesting promising career prospects for Senior Buyers in India.