Buyer

Lonza; Vacaville (CA); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile career culture

Inclusive workplace

Competitive hourly rate

Job summary

Lonza in Vacaville, California is seeking a Buyer to proactively manage raw material supplier performance to realize the MRP, maintain SAP procurement data, and support supply strategy implementations.

This on-site role collaborates with Accounts Payable and cross-functional teams to ensure timely deliveries, accurate invoicing, and adherence to cgmp standards.

Qualifications

• Hands-on SAP ERP experience in procurement/purchasing.
• Background in raw material purchasing or SAP material management.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Procurement, or Supply Chain preferred.
• Experience managing suppliers, running competitive bids, and low-value contract negotiations.
• Excellent communication and English proficiency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; APICS or equivalent MRP certification a plus.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment and adhere to cGMP standards.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and track vendor performance, drive improvements in on-time delivery and quality.
• Maintain and update material/vendor master data and outline agreements in SAP.
• Manage MRP-driven order schedule changes and resolve pricing/shipping discrepancies.
• Lead competitive bids, RFx interventions, and low-value contract negotiations.
• Process vendor returns and collaborate with Accounts Payable on invoice queries.
• Onboard new materials/suppliers and support supply strategies led by senior buyers.
• Supervise, train and mentor junior team members.

Job description

Buyer

Proactively manage raw material supplier performance to ensure the Material Requirement Plan (MRP) is realized, maintain SAP procurement master data, support supply strategy implementations, and partner closely with Accounts Payable and cross-functional teams.

This role is primarily based on site. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards and the contract duration is 12 months.

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.

• An inclusive and ethical workplace.

• Competitive hourly rate.

What you will do:

• Monitor and track vendor performance (driving improvements in on‑time delivery and quality), hold regular open order review meetings, and resolve supplier escalations.

• Maintain and update relevant material/vendor master data and outline agreements in SAP to ensure accurate MRP calculations and efficient PO creation.

• Manage MRP-driven order schedule changes (expediting, pushing out, or pulling in delivery dates) and resolve pricing or shipping discrepancies.

• Lead competitive bid processes, execute RFx market interventions, and conduct low‑value contract negotiations with suppliers.

• Process vendor returns (RMA, cost recovery, replacements) and collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice queries.

• Support internal stakeholders to onboard new raw materials/suppliers and implement supply strategies led by Strategic Buyers and Category Managers.

• Supervise, train, and mentor junior colleagues and new team members.

What we are looking for:

• Hands‑on experience using SAP ERP in an operational procurement or purchasing role.

• Background in raw material purchasing (0–4 years entry level) or SAP material management (5–8 years intermediate level).

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Procurement, or Supply Chain is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience managing suppliers, running competitive bids, and conducting low‑value contract negotiations.

• Excellent communication, customer service, and influencing skills with Native-level English proficiency.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; APICS or equivalent MRP Planner certification is a plus.

• Strong ability to prioritize tasks, work in a fast‑paced environment, and adhere to cGMP standards.

About Lonza

At Lonza, their people are their greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, their globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Their core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who they are and how they work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work they want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, they value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.