Junior Buyer: Strategic Sourcing (Ingredients)

United States Digital Space LLC; Sligo; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Coca-Cola Ireland Ballina is seeking a Junior Buyer (Strategic Sourcing) to manage procurement activities for select ingredient categories and support supplier relationships. You will help drive cost competitiveness, ensure compliance, and use data-driven insights to optimize sourcing operations.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential as we explore AI-enabled tools to streamline processes. You will partner with senior buyers and cross-functional teams to ensure sourcing

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain or related field.
• 1–3+ years' experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, logistics, or related roles (internships/co-ops considered).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and support negotiations, even for smaller categories or supplier agreements.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data interpretation, cost analysis, and problem-solving.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail in data management and reporting activities.
• Ability to read and interpret commercial contracts, pricing schedules, and supplier compliance requirements.
• ERP system knowledge (SAP preferred); strong Excel proficiency and familiarity with Power BI or similar tools.
• Interest in digital transformation and experience with AI-powered tools or process automation is an advantage.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and teamwork skills, with a service-oriented mindset.
• Positive, proactive attitude and willingness to engage collaboratively to deliver results and solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities for small-spend, low-to-medium complexity ingredient categories and ensure timely, accurate order execution.
• Lead negotiations for assigned ingredients, including pricing, service levels, lead times, and payment terms, while adhering to governance and policies.
• Prepare and present sourcing plans and category analyses for assigned ingredients, including risk assessment and supplier improvement opportunities.
• Support senior buyers during complex negotiations by providing analysis, supplier proposals, and data-driven scenarios.
• Maintain pricing, supplier data, and other procurement information in sourcing systems.
• Monitor supply availability and identify risks, escalating issues and recommending mitigation actions.
• Participate in resolving supplier or quality-related issues with plants, planning, and quality teams.
• Manage and improve supplier relationships with regular performance follow-ups and business reviews.
• Generate reports and dashboards using Excel and Power BI, providing insights into cost, inventory, and supplier metrics.
• Apply AI-enabled tools for drafting negotiation briefs, summarizing supplier communications, and improving reporting efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Data interpretation

Accuracy and attention to detail

Communication & stakeholder management

Teamwork

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Coca-Cola Ireland Ballina is seeking a Junior Buyer (Strategic Sourcing) to manage procurement activities for select ingredient categories and support supplier relationships. You will help drive cost competitiveness, ensure compliance, and use data-driven insights to optimize sourcing operations.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential as we explore AI-enabled tools to streamline processes. You will partner with senior buyers and cross-functional teams to ensure sourcing