Category buyer - Industrial Manufacturing
Overview
Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.
The Role
As a Category Buyer, you will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for raw materials, components, and services. Your mission is to ensure competitive costs, high quality, and reliable deliveries while reducing risks and supporting operational excellence. You will work closely with global and cross-functional teams (R&D, Production, Quality, Finance) to enable efficient product development and supply chain performance.
Responsibilities
- Negotiate prices, terms, and volumes in line with Xylem procurement policies.
- Define and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories.
- Manage tenders and RFQ/RFP processes, evaluating new sourcing opportunities.
- Monitor supplier markets and material trends to identify cost-saving initiatives.
- Conduct Supplier Capability Assessments (SCA) and regular business reviews.
- Drive continuous improvement in supplier quality, delivery, and service.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers.
Risk Management & Business Continuity
- Identify and mitigate supply risks such as disruptions, delays, or quality issues.
- Monitor supplier financial stability, compliance, and sustainability practices.
- Collaborate with logistics and quality teams to monitor supplier and service quality performance.
- Ensure fast time-to-market for new products and highlight potential inefficiencies.
- Align local sourcing activities with global procurement strategies.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to achieve company goals and operational targets.
Communication & Decision Making
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders across different functions and regions.
- Approve supplier contracts, purchase orders, and related actions within delegated authority.
Qualifications & Requirements
- +3 years of experience in industrial manufacturing purchasing.
- Degree in engineering or economics is preferred.
- Good knowledge of Excel.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and Italian.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and supplier management skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects.
- Results-oriented mindset with a focus on cost optimization and value creation.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities in a multicultural environment.
Contract & Benefits
- CONTRACT: Permanent – full time
- BENEFITS: Hybrid working, Company canteen and Company bonus
- TRAVEL: 25%
Additional Details
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Purchasing
- Industries: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing and Civil Engineering
Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.
Note: This description reflects the current scope of duties and requirements for the Category Buyer role at Xylem.