Description

The senior buyer is responsible for negotiating long-term and short-term transactions with vendors. This position also plans and incorporates strategic purchasing plans company-wide. The senior buyer is also responsible for collecting and gathering data on potential suppliers and carriers. In addition, they schedule shipping times and manage the requirements of freight travel. They also disperse information about purchasing and sales to the necessary members of production, purchasing, and sales teams. The senior buyer also negotiates the prices for services and/or products.Employees in this position typically work in an office setting during normal business hours and report directly the vice president of supply. Generally, the senior buyer position requires a four-year degree in a related field, as well as fluency in English; however, in some cases, a minimum of three years' experience in an internal purchasing environment with positive results may also suffice. In addition, the senior buyer needs to have exceptional organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, thrive in a fast-paced industry and office atmosphere, have strong written word and verbal skills, and be able to problem solve with good business ethics. They also need to be PC literate, preferably with Microsoft programs. Some relocation or travel may be associated with the senior buyer position.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Senior Buyer with 3-6 years of experience in Hong Kong, your main responsibilities include:

  • Procure goods and services from suppliers, ensuring timely delivery and quality assurance.
  • Manage and maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts and terms to optimize cost and value.
  • Analyze market trends, conduct research, and evaluate suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities and potential risks.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as logistics and finance, to support inventory management and budgeting processes.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Senior Buyer, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, demonstrating a strong understanding of market trends, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiation.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and forecasting, allowing for effective demand planning, inventory management, and cost optimization.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously, while ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and budgetary constraints.

Essential Skills For Senior Buyer

1

Contract Drafting

2

Supplier Relationships

3

Supply Chain Analytics

4

Negotiation

5

Strategic Sourcing

Career Prospects

The Senior Buyer role in Hong Kong, with 3-6 years of experience, offers several alternative career paths. Consider the following options:

  • Supply Chain Manager: A role that involves overseeing the entire supply chain process, from sourcing materials to delivering finished products.
  • Category Manager: A position focused on strategically managing a specific product category, including vendor selection, pricing negotiation, and product assortment planning.
  • Operations Manager: A role that involves optimizing operational processes, managing inventory levels, and ensuring timely delivery of goods.
  • Vendor Relationship Manager: A position focused on building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring quality and timely delivery of goods and services.

How to Learn

According to recent data points from Google, the projected growth of the Senior Buyer role in the Hong Kong market is expected to be significant. A 10-year analysis reveals a strong upward trend in demand for this position, indicating a promising job outlook. The market is likely to witness a surge in employment opportunities for qualified professionals in the coming years. This information suggests that pursuing a career as a Senior Buyer in Hong Kong can provide long-term stability and growth potential.