Purchasing Buyer

Roquette; Keokuk (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Roquette is seeking a Purchasing Buyer I to source, negotiate and purchase assigned materials, partnering with Operations to ensure cost-effective supply. You will drive supplier performance, support procurement improvements, and manage contracts across categories.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field with 3–5 years of purchasing experience, strong analytical skills and effective communication for cross-functional teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 3–5 years in negotiations/purchasing.
• Analytical and detail-oriented; knowledge of sourcing vendors and suppliers.
• Strong purchasing best-practice knowledge; excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate and purchase assigned products and services.
• Support cost, quality, service and supplier relationship improvements.
• Lead end-to-end contract development and negotiations with stakeholders.
• Engage cross-functional teams to align sourcing strategies.
• Ensure compliance with global procurement policies and processes.
• Conduct supplier analyses, provide savings forecasts and KPI tracking.

Skills

Problem Solving/Analysis

Leadership

Teamwork Orientation

Project Management

Communication Proficiency

Technical Capacity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain or management

Job description

Roquette is a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients. Want to help us make a difference? Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers and partners to imagine and offer ingredients to better feed people and treat patients. Each of our ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles.

Purchasing Buyer I

Reports to: Indirect Purchasing Leader

Summary / Objective

The Purchasing Buyer I will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating and purchasing of assigned products / services, and executing projects. Areas of focus include quality, cost, customer service, innovation and continuous improvement. This position will work closely with Operations to ensure reliable cost-effective supply of materials, equipment and parts.

Essential Functions

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Research, track and analyze market trends and conditions to aid in developing and supporting procurement strategies.
• Identify and driver value beyond cost initiatives aligned with business and global procurement objectives.
• Lead the end-to-end contract development, negotiation, and executions through use of commercial, legal, and risk provisions.
• Interact with Global Category manager to align with the global/regional sourcing standards methods and tools.
• Participate in the sourcing process under the guidance of the Indirect Purchasing Leader.
• Engage cross functional teams to align sourcing strategies and decisions.
• Guarantee the tendering process by integrating all necessary standardized documents such as requirements specification, general purchasing terms and conditions, etc.
• Access category risks regarding local goods/services quality and local suppler relationship sustainability
• Manage the local supplier panel.
• Lead supplier business reviews (QBR’s).
• Conducts various types of analysis to include value, cost/price; provides forecasts.
• Ensure the adequate presentation of the local business requirements.
• Ensure compliance with global procurement policies and legal requirements.
• Develop and maintain business continuity plans for critical supply segments.
• Evaluate suppliers and good/services risks regarding scope
• Define and track category KPI (cost savings, service level, supplier performance) Report savings performance and savings to management.
• Set up corrective measures for sourcing improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Education and Experience

• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Leadership.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Project Management.
• Communication Proficiency.
• Technical Capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain or management or equivalent experience 3-5 years’ experience in negotiations/purchasing.
• Analytical and detail-oriented Knowledge of sourcing vendors and suppliers.
• Strong knowledge of best practices with a purchasing environment.
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not directly manage employees.

Work Environment

This job spends approximately 80% of the time in an office environment and 20% of the time in the Plant environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb stairs, use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms; work in hot, cold and loud environments. Employees must be able to wear a respirator.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position which may require working flexible non-traditional hours/shift work.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area, international and overnight travel may be expected.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)

Not applicable

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Equality and Diversity

Roquette is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.

Roquette is proud to be a global company where you can find personal and professional growth through multiple diverse experiences.

Roquette strives to create a dynamic workforce while remaining firmly committed to equal opportunity by complying with EEO laws. As we continue to grow, Roquette understands that to be successful we must always be inclusive in our approach.

To find out more about our products, values and sustainable development ambitions visit us at www.roquette.com and at www.sustainability.roquette.com

Roquette is a global leader in sustainable plant-based solutions, driving innovation and strong partnerships that are shaping the future of nutrition, health, and bioindustry. The company harnesses natural resources such as wheat, corn, seaweed, and cellulose to craft high-performance ingredients used in everyday foods, oral medications, advanced biopharmaceuticals, and a range of bio-based products. A family-owned company with over 90 years of expertise and 11,000 employees, Roquette serves clients in over 150 countries and is committed to creating lasting value for customers, patients, consumers, and society. Together, we turn the potential of nature into the essentials of life. Discover more about Roquette here.