Category Buyer

Position :

We are looking for a Category Buyer for our site in Brescia (Italy) to join our Purchasing team.

The role consists, on the one hand, in managing the strategic brass and plastic families (raw materials and components) for our site and indirectly for other sites (around €17M), and on the other hand in supporting the Category Manager at European level in the management of cross-functional projects.

This function covers sourcing activities within the assigned category, going beyond transactional purchasing to contribute to strategic objectives: cost efficiency, supplier performance, risk reduction and sustainability. You will report to the Purchasing Director for Southern Europe.

Main responsibilities :

• Analyse spend and supplier markets.
• Develop long-term sourcing strategies and build supplier partnerships.
• Negotiate multi-year contracts in complex international environments.
• Consolidate and analyse purchasing data to identify saving opportunities and optimization of the supply base.
• Supplier segmentation, should-costing, cost engineering and Supplier Performance Management (QLTCS).
• Make-or-buy analyses and risk-oriented contract management.
• Support the Category Manager on strategy, purchasing processes and stakeholder management.
• Execute RFPs/RFQs/tenders and collaborate with cross-functional teams (Legal, Finance, Operations).
• Update supplier and item data in the ERP; verify invoices.
• Perform TCO analysis, benchmarking, KPI tracking and present results to management.
• Act as an interface between Purchasing and internal stakeholders;
• Manage MOQs and lead times.
• Manage around 25 suppliers, mainly international.

Profile :

• Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Engineering or equivalent.
• 5 to 8 years’ experience in purchasing raw materials or technical components, ideally in an industrial environment.
• Good knowledge of non-ferrous metals markets (ideally brass) and related processes.
• Excellent skills in negotiation, project management and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong analytical mindset, results-oriented, proactive and strategic approach.
• Professional command of English and Italian; French is an asset.
• Strategic vision and strong business sense.
• Leadership, autonomy and ability to work in an international environment.
• Proactivity and innovative mindset in purchasing practice

We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Our company is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment and to promoting equal opportunities for all.