For our client, a leader in life sciences operating globally, we are seeking a dynamic team member for an exciting role:
Laboratory Equipment Category Buyer
in Visp
General Information
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 12-month contract (renewable)
Workplace: Visp (on-site minimum 3 days/week)
Workload: 100%
Department: Capital Projects
Job Summary:
Our client, a global leader in life sciences, is seeking an experienced CAPEX Procurement Category Buyer - Laboratory Equipment to lead sourcing activities for laboratory equipment within capital investment projects. Acting as a strategic partner to engineering and project teams, this role ensures alignment between business needs and supply market capabilities, driving cost optimization, supplier performance, and risk mitigation. The position plays a key role in delivering high-value procurement solutions that support operational excellence and growth.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead RFx and vendor selection processes during project execution and early phases.
· Develop and implement category strategies for laboratory equipment aligned with business needs and market capabilities.
· Collaborate with Global Engineering and other stakeholders to ensure procurement objectives and priorities are aligned.
· Negotiate Equipment Purchase Agreements and Framework Agreements with vendors.
· Drive cost reduction strategies and implement plans that meet project/business requirements.
· Manage supplier relationships (SRM), performance metrics, and risk mitigation strategies.
· Act as the primary point of contact for project-related procurement issues and concerns.
· Support change management initiatives to improve efficiency beyond traditional sourcing levers.
· Ensure compliance and accountability through supplier scorecards and performance reviews.
Must Have:
· Bachelor's degree (Business or Engineering preferred) with strong technical understanding of laboratory/process equipment.
· Minimum 5 years in Procurement, including global/regional category management experience.
· Proven experience in regulated industries (pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics preferred).
· Expertise in CAPEX equipment procurement, especially laboratory equipment (e.g., analytical instruments, filtration systems, containment/safety devices).
· Fluent English; German and/or French is a strong advantage.
Core Skills
· Strong business acumen and ability to link business needs with external capabilities.
· Excellent negotiation and influencing skills for complex agreements.
· Skilled in contract drafting and commercial agreements.
· Solid project management and change management capabilities.
· Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
Nice-to-Haves
· CIPS or equivalent certification.
· Experience developing and implementing sourcing strategies with measurable results.
Qualities & Attributes
· Personal Leadership: Initiative, accountability, integrity, and credibility.
· Strategic Capability: Big-picture thinking, anticipates roadblocks, leads change.
· Customer Focus: Understands and integrates customer expectations into sourcing strategies.
· Executional Excellence: Delivers results on time with accuracy and urgency.