Laboratory Equipment Category Buyer (w/m/d)
Location: Visp, Switzerland (3 days on site minimum)
Duration: 19/01/2026 - 17/01/2027 + possibility of an extension
Key Responsibilities
* Run RFx and vendor selection process during project execution and early phases.
* Identify the current and long-term needs of client's businesses by cultivating relationships with the relevant collaborators, to ensure Procurement activities effectively support business strategies
* Improve and implement the category strategy for Lab Equipment that matches supply market capabilities with our business needs
* Ensure objectives, actions and priorities are aligned both within Procurement and with Global Engineering and other relevant collaborators
* Work closely with key collaborators to develop cost reduction strategies and implementation plans that meet project / business needs.
* Provide active leadership and change management support that challenges traditional spending behavior, product and service level definition to enable productivity and efficiency improvements beyond traditional sourcing levers
* Lead supplier relationship management (SRM) and supplier development activities to ensure reliable supply and improve the full value of supplier relationships
* Drive supplier performance, compliance and accountability through supplier scorecards and performance metrics
* Act as the primary point of contact above projects in case of issue customer concern
* Handle partner concerns of issues, in conjunction with Contracts and Claims managers
* Develop supply risk management strategies and drive development and implementation of appropriate risk mitigation plans
* Work closely with Project Procurement colleagues to ensure category strategies are translated into project execution plans.
* Negotiate Equipment Purchase Agreement and Framework Agreement with Vendors
* Plan, lead and complete negotiations of commercial terms and contracting for framework, master and other major supply agreements.
Key Requirements
* Bachelor's degree and a good technical understanding and knowledge of Laboratory or Process equipment.
* Preferred areas of study: Business and/or Engineering
* 5+ years in Procurement, with at least 5 years in global category management.
* Procurement, with at least 5 years in a global (at least Regional) category management role
* Experience in a regulated industry (i.e. pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics) is preferred.
* Demonstrated experience developing and implementing sourcing strategies that have yielded measurable business results.
* Pertinent Category experience in CapEx equipment with a particular emphasis on Lab Equipment: observation/analytical Instruments, heating/cooling/preservation, filtration/purification systems, mixing/agitation, containment/safety, handling, cleaning/sterilization...
* Licenses or Certifications: CIPS or equivalent nice to have.
* Languages: Fluent English required; German and/or French is plus
* Strong business acumen and ability to link business needs with external capabilities.
* Deep understanding of Procurement's role in CAPEX projects beyond cost savings.
* Negotiation and influencing skills with proven success in complex agreements.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work in cross-functional teams.
* Change management capability to onboard new vendors and implement value engineering ideas.
* Skilled in contract drafting and commercial agreements.
* Solid project management skills.
* Personal Leadership: Takes initiative, takes ownership and accountability; self-aware; professional maturity; self-starter; has integrity; has credibility; managerial courage; ability to influence.
* Builds rapport with others; lateral leadership; develops good working relationships up, down and across; excellent written and verbal communication
* Understands the big picture and interdependencies; thinks in terms of possibilities; develops evolutionary strategies which anticipates roadblocks; leads change
* Understands customer expectations and requirements and incorporates them into sourcing strategies; establishes and maintains effective relationships; excels in customer service
* Executional Excellence: Gets things done first time right, on time; accurate; bias towards action; has a sense of urgency; thoroughness; able to prioritize work
SThree_Germany is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.