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 an experienced Senior Buyer in India, you have a crucial role in ensuring the success of your organization. Here are some of your main responsibilities:

  • Developing and implementing supplier management strategies to ensure high-quality products and timely delivery.
  • Negotiating with suppliers on pricing, delivery terms, and payment policies while ensuring adherence to established contracts.
  • Analyzing market trends, researching new suppliers, and developing cost-saving initiatives to reduce expenses.
  • Collaborating with various departments such as supply chain, logistics, and sales to ensure that procurement activities support the overall goals of the organization.

Qualifications & Work Experience

As a Senior Buyer with 3-6 years of experience in India, you will be responsible for managing vendors, negotiating contracts, and purchasing goods and services for the organization. Some necessary qualifications for this position include:

  • Strong negotiation skills: The ability to negotiate favorable contract terms and pricing with suppliers is critical to the role of a Senior Buyer.
  • Supply chain management expertise: Knowledge of supply chain management, including inventory control and logistics, is essential to ensure timely delivery of goods.
  • Analytical thinking: The ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions is important when evaluating suppliers and negotiating contracts.
  • Effective communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary to build relationships with suppliers and work closely with internal teams to ensure that procurement goals are met.

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.

Supply Chain Analytics

31%

Strategic Negotiations

57%

Negotiation

31%

Strategic Sourcing

1%

Career Prospects

As a Senior Buyer with 3-6 years of experience in India, you have valuable skills that can translate into a variety of roles. Here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Purchasing Manager: Grow your career by leading and strategizing procurement efforts for a company or department.
  • Supply Chain Analyst: Leverage your experience to track and analyze inventory levels, delivery times and demand forecasting.
  • Category Manager: Develop a deep expertise in a particular product or service category and take ownership for its procurement.
  • Procurement Consultant: Apply your knowledge to help organizations optimize their procurement processes and achieve cost savings.

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.