Operational Buyer – Supply Chain (5‑month contract)

About the role

Our client, a global leader in the Life Sciences sector, is seeking an Operational Buyer to join the Central Supply Chain team in Visp for a 5‑month contract (possible extension). The role supports Small Molecules Operations by ensuring reliable procurement and material availability.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor supplier performance and provide feedback to Strategic Buyers and Category Managers.
• Drive continuous improvement of delivery, quality and compliance.
• Manage supplier escalations such as delivery delays, expediting, MRP changes, PO confirmations, pricing discrepancies and shipping issues.
• Maintain accurate material and vendor master data in SAP to support reliable MRP execution.
• Support supplier qualification, onboarding and implementation of supplier changes.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain teams in Visp to guarantee uninterrupted material availability.
• Handle vendor returns (RMAs), replacements and cost recovery.
• Resolve Accounts Payable invoice discrepancies with suppliers.
• Conduct regular open purchase order review meetings with suppliers.
• Support onboarding and approval of new raw materials and suppliers.
• Participate in RFx activities and competitive sourcing processes.
• Assist Strategic Buyers with low‑value contract negotiations and support Category Managers on procurement initiatives.
• Perform additional procurement‑related tasks as required.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience as an Operational Buyer, Procurement Specialist or Purchasing professional.
• Significant experience purchasing raw materials.
• Strong knowledge of SAP or a comparable ERP system.
• Experience managing supplier performance and driving improvement initiatives.
• Previous experience supporting supplier contract negotiations.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical mindset.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional, fast‑paced environment.
• Fluency in English and German (mandatory).

Required skills

• SAP (ERP system)