Operations Buyer Direct Level III Houston, TX The actual location of this job is in Houston, TX, USA. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed. This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards. What you will get: An agile career and dynamic working culture. An inclusive and ethical workplace. Compensation programs that recognize high performance. A variety of benefits dependent on role and location. The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits . What you will do: Monitor & track supplier performance and feedback to strategic buyers and/or category managers Support the implementation of supplier changes and other initiatives led by Central Category managers and Site Strategic Buyers Collaborate with the broader procurement team to ensure all relevant material & vendor master data and outline agreements are available in SAP and are up to date Manage all Level 2 vendor escalations, including but not limited to: Expediting delivery confirmation dates that don’t meet our MRP and production needs MRP driven delivery date “Push Out” or “Pull In” Late or missing PO confirmations Pricing Discrepancies Delivery and Shipping related issues and inquiries Manage Vendor performance, driving improvements on time delivery, quality conformance, and other compliance issues Manage and resolve Vendor Returns (RMA, Cost Recovery, Replacements) Perform regular open order review meeting with Vendors Manage AP Inquiries (Invoice issues, etc..) Support internal cross-functional stakeholders to onboard and approve new raw materials and supplier Lead competitive bid process (per applicable policy) and/or execute RFx market interventions Lead supplier negotiations for low value contracts with supplier Train new joiners and junior colleagues Supervise more junior colleagues in the team What we are looking for: Bachelors degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Procurement or Supply Chain preferred. 5-10 Years of experience in Supply Chain Manufacturing Operations Fluent in Spanish preferred Experience in using SAP material management Substantial experience in Purchasing of Raw Materials for Labs Lead competitive bid process (per applicable policy) and/or execute RFx market interventions Lead supplier negotiations for low value contracts with supplier Train and supervise new joiners and junior colleagues on the team Customer service mindset and ability to manage several priorities simultaneously Positive attitude with a willingness to learn new skill sets Working knowledge of general business practices Experience and knowledge of both Operational Procurement and Purchasing of Direct (Raw Materials) (e.g. Purchase Requisition to Purchase Order Process) Able to persuade and influence suppliers to achieve best outcome for Lonza Hands on experience of using Microsoft Office Ideally APICS or equivalent MRP Planner certificate About Lonza At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board. Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.