Operational Buyer

As an Operational Buyer at August Bioservices, the key responsibilities include monitoring and tracking supplier performance, managing vendor escalations, supporting internal teams for onboarding new raw materials, and driving improvements in on-time delivery and compliance. You'll handle everything from delivery confirmations to resolving invoice inquiries, ensuring that our operations run smoothly.

To qualify for the Operational Buyer position at August Bioservices, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or a related field, along with 5-7 years of experience in Supply Chain or a similar role. Additionally, experience in purchasing raw materials for labs and GMP manufacturing is essential to succeed in this role.

Critical skills for success as an Operational Buyer at August Bioservices include expertise in ERP systems, strong negotiation abilities for contract management, and a deep understanding of vendor performance improvement strategies. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills are also vital for this position.

The Operational Buyer plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Material Requirement Plan is realized. By managing supplier performance, negotiating contracts, and facilitating collaboration across teams, the Operational Buyer ensures timely and quality procurement of materials, which is essential for the efficiency of the entire supply chain at August Bioservices.

The workplace environment for the Operational Buyer position at August Bioservices is collaborative and dynamic. You'll work closely with various internal teams and external suppliers, facilitating communication and problem-solving to enhance procurement processes. The role requires both strategic thinking and attention to detail within a supportive team atmosphere.

When asked about your experience with ERP systems, highlight specific instances where you've utilized these tools to manage supplier performance or streamline procurement processes. Mention any particular systems you are familiar with and how they've contributed to enhancing the efficiency of your purchasing activities.

In addressing vendor performance issues, discuss your strategy for identifying problems early and communicating effectively with suppliers. Provide examples of how you’ve implemented performance improvement plans and the positive outcomes that resulted from these efforts.

To manage competing priorities, describe your prioritization techniques, such as using matrices or software tools to assess urgency and impact. Share examples of how you've successfully balanced multiple sourcing demands without compromising quality or timelines.

Share a specific example where your negotiation skills led to a successful outcome. Focus on the preparation process, your approach during negotiations, and the positive impact the deal had on your organization’s supply chain or cost management.

To ensure accurate vendor and material data, explain your systematic approach to data management, including regular audits, collaboration with internal stakeholders, and using technology to streamline data entry. Illustrate this with an example of how your diligence improved procurement efficiency.

Detail your approach to managing supplier communication when facing late or missing delivery confirmations. Discuss the importance of transparency and proactive follow-ups, and provide an example of how this strategy effectively resolved a previous issue.

When onboarding new suppliers, discuss your structured approach, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, cross-functional collaboration, and clear communication. Describe the steps you take to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and that the process aligns with company standards.

Explain how you work collaboratively with suppliers, setting clear expectations while fostering a relationship built on trust and shared goals. Provide examples of how recognizing good performance has helped to motivate suppliers in your experience.

Articulate your perspective on the most crucial skill for an Operational Buyer – whether it’s negotiation, analytical thinking, or relationship management. Justify your choice with examples of how this skill has been instrumental in past roles you’ve held.

Share specific examples of cost-saving initiatives you have led or contributed to, detailing your analysis process, the strategies you implemented, and the results achieved. Highlight your ability to identify savings opportunities while maintaining quality and service levels.