Strategic Buyer

Are you an experienced buyer? Are you an expert negotiator? If so, then this could be an opportunity for you!We are looking for an experienced Buyer with demonstrable savings that can handle multiple projects of varying sizes.

Evotec is a leader in the discovery and development of novel small molecule drugs with operational sites in Europe and the US. The Company has built substantial drug discovery expertise and an industrialised platform that can drive new innovative small molecule compounds into the clinic. In addition, Evotec has built a deep internal knowledge base in the treatment of diseases related to neuroscience, pain, oncology, inflammation and metabolic diseases. Leveraging these skills and expertise the Company intends to develop best-in-class differentiated therapeutics and deliver superior science-driven discovery alliances with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Job Title: Strategic Buyer

Direct report: to Team Leader – Buyers UK

Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Location: Milton Park, Abingdon, UK

Salary: Competitive salary, dependent experience, and qualifications plus we offer a fantastic benefits package and annual bonuses.      

Role and Responsibilities

The Strategic Buyer is a vital part of the procurement team, working closely with operations and other enabling functions to ensure purchases satisfy the technical and commercial brief. You will have experience in communicating at all levels including senior management and possess excellent negotiation skills complemented by a highly analytical mindset. Knowledgeable in all aspects of procurement and contractual documents, you will have experience in SRM, taking the lead in QBRs, creating KPIs and monitoring SLAs. You will be the point of escalation for supplier issues and work closely with the team.

Our team reflects the dynamic, diverse, and multicultural organisation we support. As an enabling function the procurement team maintains a collaborative relationship with operations to ensure our exacting standards of service ensure “Research Never Stops.” 

This role will be office based with some flexibility for home office working. May involve infrequent travel, subject to government restrictions/guidelines.

• Supporting and the development of our purchasing processes on-site with the help of the manager and the international purchasing team.
• Support the Capex budgeting process by working with CC managers and EVP’s.
• Formulate the purchasing strategy in collaboration with Procurement teams based in France, Italy, Germany, and US.
• Leading commercially strong negotiations for Capex purchases and Opex contracts, seeking to reduce YOY costs.
• Perform and review spend analysis, with an ability to present at all levels.
• Manage supplier relationships and build strategic alliances with key providers.
• Provide backup to operative purchasing when needed.
• Monitor supplier’s reliability and assessment as well as explore the market for alternative suppliers.
• Participate in lean and efficiency projects.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven track record of negotiating Capital projects with demonstrable savings.
• Experienced in leading negotiations for Opex expenditures within IT and Engineering.
• A high-level understanding of contractual terms and supporting documents e.g. SLAs; SOWs PQQ and RFPs.
• High proficiency with MS Office, particularly Excel, good numerical and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to work autonomously and as an active team member demonstrating a strong ability to collaborate.
• Advanced degree of self-motivation, reliability, and flexibility.

Education and Experience

• We are looking for relevant work experience within a purchasing environment, we are open to sector background.
• BA/BS (or higher/equivalent) in either economics or equivalent with relevant focus OR equivalent relevant industrial or academic experience.
• Experience using ERP systems, with knowledge or e-procurement advantageous but not essential.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package

• Pension on completion of your 3-month probationary period. Contributions start at 6% employee and employer, Evotec will match up to 7.5%.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional length of service days awarded on the anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days
• Private health insurance with BUPA for the employees and their partner/family under the company scheme
• Private dental cover, after 3 months service
• Life assurance at four times your annual base salary
• Well being support 24/7 and counselling services
• Permanent health insurance providing 75% of base salary after the qualifying period
• Subsidised on premise restaurant.
• Eligibility to participate in the Company Bonus Scheme.  This is a discretionary benefit
• Excellent training and support and continuing professional development opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Refer a friend scheme, team and annual events, recognition awards and many more!

Onsite Facilities

• Onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen
• Good public transport links with the shuttle bus service

FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap.

ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.