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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for International Buyer

💰 $55,000 - $95,000

ProcurementSupply ChainSourcingInternational Trade

🎯 Role Definition

The International Buyer is responsible for global sourcing, supplier management, and procurement of goods and services that support product lines and operations across international markets. This role combines market intelligence, negotiation, contract management, import/export compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver cost-effective, high-quality materials on time. The ideal candidate has experience with global suppliers, Incoterms, landed cost analysis, ERP systems (SAP/Oracle), and demonstrated success driving supplier performance, risk mitigation, and cost savings.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Procurement Analyst / Junior Buyer
  • Sourcing Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior International Buyer / Category Buyer
  • Sourcing Manager / Category Manager
  • Global Procurement Manager / Procurement Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Planner
  • Logistics Manager
  • Vendor/Contract Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for assigned categories that achieve target cost savings, improve quality, reduce lead times, and mitigate supply chain risk while aligning with company objectives.
  • Manage the end-to-end supplier lifecycle: identify, qualify, onboard, and maintain relationships with international suppliers through rigorous due diligence, site audits, and capability assessments.
  • Lead RFQ/RFP processes including preparing specifications, soliciting bids, evaluating proposals, conducting supplier selection, and recommending awards based on total landed cost and long-term value.
  • Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, payment terms, minimum order quantities, and lead times with suppliers to secure competitive contracts while protecting the company’s interests.
  • Create, issue, and manage purchase orders (POs) and order confirmations using ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or comparable), ensuring accurate data entry, delivery schedules, and PO closure.
  • Conduct total landed cost analysis (including freight, duties, taxes, insurance, and handling) and model alternative sourcing scenarios to inform decision-making and maximize margin improvement.
  • Manage import/export documentation, coordinate customs clearance, and ensure compliance with international trade regulations, Incoterms, customs codes (HS), and local import requirements.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Engineering teams to address supplier quality issues, oversee corrective action plans (CAPAs), and ensure product conformity to specifications and regulatory standards.
  • Implement and maintain supplier scorecards and KPIs (on-time delivery, quality defects, lead time variability, cost performance) and drive continuous improvement initiatives through supplier development programs.
  • Coordinate with Logistics, Freight Forwarders, and 3PL partners to optimize shipping methods, consolidate shipments, control freight costs, and reduce transit times while maintaining service levels.
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by qualifying suppliers, establishing initial sample approvals (PPAP/FAI), aligning material lead times to launch schedules, and ensuring production readiness.
  • Monitor global market trends, raw material price movements, geopolitical and currency risks, providing market intelligence and forecasts to stakeholders to guide sourcing strategy.
  • Manage supplier contracts and master service agreements, ensuring appropriate terms for warranties, liability, IP protection, confidentiality, and escalation clauses; coordinate with Legal for contract reviews.
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives including value engineering, specification rationalization, alternative material sourcing, and long-term agreement negotiations with strategic suppliers.
  • Oversee supplier risk management: diversification strategies, contingency planning, dual sourcing, safety stock recommendations, and escalation processes to minimize supply disruptions.
  • Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier performance data, and spend analytics, producing monthly and quarterly reports for procurement leadership and finance.
  • Coordinate with Finance to manage supplier invoices, resolve discrepancies, support payment term negotiations, and implement early payment or discount programs where appropriate.
  • Ensure compliance with corporate sustainability, ethical sourcing, and supplier code-of-conduct requirements, conducting CSR assessments and implementing supplier improvement plans.
  • Facilitate cross-functional communication between Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Sales to align sourcing decisions with product and commercial objectives.
  • Lead supplier visits, factory audits, and on-site negotiations, representing the company at international trade shows and supplier conferences to discover and qualify new sources.
  • Execute change control for supplier-driven or material changes, ensuring proper documentation, impact analysis, and stakeholder approvals to protect product integrity and regulatory compliance.
  • Drive continuous process improvements within procurement processes (process automation, EDI/PO automation, supplier portal adoption) to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to inform category strategies and supplier negotiations.
  • Contribute to the organization's procurement data strategy and roadmap, including adoption of analytics and procurement automation tools.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate demand forecasts into procurement plans and engineering requirements for suppliers.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the procurement and data engineering teams when developing procurement tools.
  • Assist with vendor invoice reconciliation, discrepancy resolution, and month-end procurement close activities.
  • Provide procurement support during internal and external audits, including preparation of documentation for customs, compliance, and supplier certifications.
  • Train and mentor junior buyers and procurement coordinators on best practices for international sourcing and ERP usage.
  • Maintain and update supplier qualification files, certificates of conformity, and regulatory documentation for audit readiness.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Global sourcing and category management for direct and indirect materials.
  • Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated experience negotiating price, payment terms, and service levels in an international context.
  • Import/export knowledge, Incoterms expertise, customs clearance procedures, and tariff classifications (HS codes).
  • Total landed cost modeling and supplier cost breakdown analysis.
  • ERP proficiency (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite or comparable) for PO creation, supplier master data, and inventory interfacing.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros) and familiarity with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) for spend analysis.
  • RFQ/RFP process management and commercial evaluation methodologies.
  • Experience with quality systems and supplier audits (ISO, IATF, PPAP/FAI, CAPA processes).
  • Familiarity with EDI, supplier portals, and procurement automation tools.
  • Working knowledge of contract law basics, NDAs, MSAs and commercial contract negotiation.
  • Currency risk management and basic hedging awareness; ability to work with finance on payment terms and FX exposure.
  • Experience managing freight/logistics partners, 3PL, and optimizing shipping strategies.
  • Supplier performance management including KPIs, scorecards, and improvement plans.
  • Experience supporting New Product Introductions (NPI) and supplier onboarding.

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication and stakeholder management across global, cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and process optimization.
  • Relationship-building and cultural sensitivity when working with international suppliers.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to manage multiple categories and projects.
  • Negotiation tact, influence, and resilience under commercial pressure.
  • Adaptability to fast-changing market conditions and supply chain disruptions.
  • Leadership capability to mentor junior procurement staff and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Business, Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's degree (MBA) or relevant graduate degree, or professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, CSCP, or APICS certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • International Business
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering
  • Logistics and Trade Compliance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–7 years in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles with at least 2 years focused on international sourcing.

Preferred: 5+ years of experience managing global suppliers and categories, demonstrated track record of cost savings, supplier development, and experience with ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and landed cost analysis.

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