Senior Buyer - Gateway APAC

Merlin; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Magic Pass

Career development opportunities

Diversity & Inclusion

Leave benefits

Attractions access

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments seeks a Senior Buyer - Gateway APAC to lead strategic sourcing across Gateway attractions in the APAC region, reporting to the Regional Head of Procurement. You will partner with finance, operations and leadership to drive value, responsible sourcing, and supplier performance across Australia, New Zealand and APAC.

You will manage RFIs/RFPs, develop regional strategies, and influence multi-site procurement with a focus on cost efficiency and risk mitigation within a dynamic

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in strategic procurement, sourcing or category management.
• Proven ability to deliver commercial value through sourcing and supplier management.
• Experience leading tender processes (RFIs, RFQs, RFPs).
• Strong supplier and contract management capability.
• Excellent financial and analytical skills with spend data interpretation.
• Ability to identify cost-saving/value-creation opportunities.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work autonomously in regional/global teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across Gateway APAC attractions.
• Develop regional category and sourcing strategies aligned with global priorities.
• Manage RFIs, RFQs, RFPs and major contract renewals.
• Consolidate suppliers and leverage regional purchasing power.
• Conduct spend, supplier and market analysis for cost efficiencies.
• Build strategic relationships with key regional suppliers and lead reviews.
• Drive supplier innovation and sustainability in procurement.
• Negotiate pricing and terms to maximise value and mitigate risk.
• Align procurement with operational priorities with business leaders.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Sourcing

Category management

Tender management

Supplier relationship mgmt

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Excel proficiency

Regional/global sourcing

Education

CIPS or equivalent qualification

Tools

Coupa

SAP

Oracle

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

At Merlin Entertainments, play is serious business. Our purpose is to bring every family closer through play, creating experiences that guests remember long after their visit.

We are looking for an experienced and commercially astute Senior Buyer - Gateway APAC to join our Global Procurement team based in either Sydney or Melbourne. Whether you are already working within a large multi-site organisation or looking to bring your strategic procurement expertise into the attractions and entertainment industry, this is an opportunity to influence sourcing outcomes across a diverse portfolio of iconic experiences throughout Australia, New Zealand and the broader APAC region.

About the Role

We are seeking a full-time Senior Buyer - Gateway APAC to join our Global Procurement team. Reporting to the Regional Head of Procurement, you will lead strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives across Merlin's Gateway attractions throughout the APAC region. Working closely with attraction leadership teams, finance, operations and global procurement stakeholders, you will identify opportunities to leverage regional scale, strengthen supplier partnerships and deliver measurable commercial value while maintaining responsible sourcing practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across Gateway APAC attractions.
• Develop and implement regional category and sourcing strategies aligned with global procurement priorities.
• Manage complex RFIs, RFQs, RFPs and major contract renewal projects.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, leverage regional purchasing power and improve commercial outcomes.
• Conduct spend, supplier and market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and cost efficiencies.
• Develop strategic relationships with key regional suppliers and lead supplier performance reviews.
• Drive supplier innovation, continuous improvement and operational resilience initiatives.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms and contractual agreements to maximise value and mitigate risk.
• Partner with business leaders, General Managers and Finance teams to align procurement strategies with operational priorities.
• Support responsible sourcing practices, including sustainability, Modern Slavery and ESG requirements.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with Merlin governance, risk management and procurement policies.

About You

You are a commercially minded procurement professional who combines strategic thinking with strong relationship management skills. You are confident leading sourcing initiatives, influencing stakeholders and delivering measurable commercial outcomes across a complex and fast-paced environment.

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in strategic procurement, sourcing or category management.
• Proven experience delivering commercial value through sourcing, supplier management and contract negotiations.
• Experience leading tender processes, including RFIs, RFQs and RFPs.
• Strong supplier relationship management and contract management capability.
• Excellent commercial, financial and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret spend and supplier data.
• Proven ability to identify cost-saving and value-creation opportunities.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of a business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other procurement reporting tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a regional and global team environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Procurement experience within tourism, hospitality, entertainment, retail or other multi-site operations.
• Experience supporting capital projects and large-scale procurement initiatives.
• Experience working across multiple countries or regions.
• Knowledge of procurement systems such as Coupa, SAP, Oracle or similar platforms.
• Understanding of responsible sourcing, sustainability and ESG procurement practices.
• Professional procurement qualifications (CIPS or equivalent).
• Experience working within a global or matrix organisation.

Benefits

• Corporate benefits including free access to Merlin attractions worldwide through our Magic Pass.
• Domestic and global opportunities to develop and progress your skills and career.
• Additional leave benefits, including birthday, wellbeing and volunteering leave.
• Opportunity to be involved in our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
• Regional attraction access through the Enjoy the Ride Pass and discounted Merlin hotel stays.
• Being part of a business built on fun.

About Us

Merlin Entertainments is the company behind iconic brands like SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, and Peppa Pig World of Play. We operate in over 140 attractions across 25 countries, delivering memorable experiences to 54 million+ visitors a year.

We’re the leading operator of visitor attractions in Australia and New Zealand, with 10 attractions, including SEA LIFE, WILDLIFE, Madame Tussauds, amongst others.

Merlin Entertainments is driven by a strong social responsibility with the vision to create a world where the global community respects, conserves, and sustainably manages our precious aquatic habitats, wildlife, and natural resources. We strive to achieve this goal through our 3 charities: Merlins Magic Wand, the SEA LIFE Trust, and the WILDLIFE Conservation Fund. So, if you are vibrant and passionate about delivering an amazing service within a great company and in a team who loves what we do – then we want to hear from you!

Merlin Entertainments strongly encourages application from all background, including people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent.

Pay Range

Competitive