Our client is seeking a highly analytical, results-driven, and principled Senior Buyer to lead the Raw Materials (RM) and Contract Manufacturing (CM) categories in Japan.

The role will focus on driving Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization, supplier performance, cost savings, and value creation, while ensuring alignment with Global Procurement strategies, governance, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop and execute category strategies for Raw Materials and Contract Manufacturing, aligned with global procurement frameworks and local business priorities.
• Conduct market intelligence, supplier benchmarking, and cost trend analysis to strengthen sourcing competitiveness and supply resilience.
• Lead supplier negotiations and contract development, ensuring optimal commercial, technical, and risk outcomes.

Cost Optimization & Value Creation

• Identify and deliver cost savings, productivity improvements, and value creation opportunities across RM and CM categories.
• Track, validate, and regularly report savings performance in line with procurement governance requirements.

Supplier Management & Performance

• Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships to drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead supplier evaluations, business reviews, and risk assessments to ensure supply continuity and compliance.
• Ensure suppliers meet company expectations regarding quality, compliance, ethics, and sustainability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary procurement interface for key internal stakeholders, working closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and other relevant functions.
• Translate business requirements into effective sourcing and contracting solutions that support project execution and operational excellence.

Compliance & Ethics

• Uphold the highest standards of professional integrity and ethical conduct.
• Ensure all procurement and contracting activities comply with corporate governance, procurement policies, and local regulatory requirements.

Required Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of procurement experience within a multinational manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience specifically across Raw Materials and Contract Manufacturing categories.
• Strong technical understanding of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and key cost drivers.
• Solid capability in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), vendor risk management, and continuous improvement. Lean / Six Sigma exposure is a plus.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with the ability to identify and deliver measurable cost savings and value creation.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge constructively and drive alignment.
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Fluent in both English and Japanese, written and spoken.

Preferred Certifications

• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)
• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent professional certification