Senior Regional Lead Buyer - Assets, CES & Applications

Job Summary

The Senior Regional Lead Buyer supports the development, implementation and execution of Category and related Sourcing Strategies for Assets, CES & Applications equipment and services while working closely with Messer stakeholders to develop Preferred suppliers, maintaining supplier relationships, and responsible for their contract lifecycle.

This position will report to Manager, Regional Category. Activities could include, but are not limited to, reducing costs via negotiation, examining market trends to make strategic buying decisions, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to assure alignment with company goals.

Why Messer?

Messer is the world's largest privately held industrial gases company and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on.

The true strength of Messer is our people-at every level and in every role.

Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive company with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care.

Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter.

Principal Responsibilities

• Support the following categories:
  • Assets - Cryogenic tanks, tractors & trucks, Trailers, Chassis, ISO Containers and other CAPEX expenditures
  • CES & Applications - Installation Services, Tank Maintenance, Equipment Fabrication, Vaporizers, Tank Telemetry, Engineering Services, Vaporizers Maintenance, Equipment Inspection & Certification
• Manage procurement efforts for strategic projects for Messer CES and Applications teams, including CAPEX expenditures within the category.
• Negotiate and maintain MSAs with global/regional suppliers in North America, ensuring appropriate terms and conditions for each category.
• Develop and execute category strategies for Tanks, Vaporizers, Telemetry, Installations, Freezers, and Fleet assets to meet organization objectives.
• Develop and implement consistent request for proposals or quotes that are in alignment with Messer Guidelines.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify company requirements, estimate demand, and create procurement plans to promote growth.
• Lead supplier selection, evaluation, and negotiation process to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service levels.
• Manage inventory levels, track asset utilization, and implement measures to optimize assets.
• Monitor market trends and industry developments to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvement, and technology innovation.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, safety standards, and organizational policies during the procurement process.
• Identify and develop savings opportunities within the category by improving project budgets, target costs or increase in growth & revenue for Messer.
• Analyze categories, collect benchmarking data, and identify potential value chain opportunities.
• Develop new contracts, renewing existing contracts, and negotiating contracts with new and existing suppliers.

Required Skills

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of industry standards, regulation, and best practices related to the procurement and management of steel related products.
• Procurement Proficiency: Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, supplier selection, and contract negotiation within the industrial gas sector. Ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and mitigate supply chain risk.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Be able to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers. Monitor supplier performance and work with Quality Assurance to implement and enforce corrective action procedures for quality or compliance deficiencies.
• Cost Optimization: Ability to identify cost-savings opportunities through negotiation, volume consolidation, and process improvements. Experience with assessing total cost of ownership and pricing benchmarking.
• Data Analysis: Expertise in data analysis tools and methodologies for analyzing market trends, supplier performance measures, and procurement KPIs. Skill in extracting useful insights from data to aid decision making.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong problem-solving skills are required to manage supply chain difficulties and overcome issues such as supplier interruptions, inventory shortages, and nonconforming equipment.
• Project Management: Lead procurement initiatives from start to finish and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications (must have)

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Engineering, or Business Administration
• Five or more years of experience in procurement, sourcing activities, and cost management.
• Experience in a manufacturing setting in technical or business-related positions, particularly international experience, is highly helpful.

Qualifications (nice to have)

• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of achieving cost savings and favorable terms.
• Excellent analytical abilities to assess market dynamic and financial data.
• Master's degree in business administration or related field
• Professional certification in procurement or supply chain management (CPSM, CSCP)
• Experience in supplier relationships and contract management.
• Experience with ERP system.

• Project management skills

Systems / technology

• Coupa
• SAP
• Microsoft suite plus Visio

About Messer:

Messer's safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives. We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another.

We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization - the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different.

If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call (877) 243-1030.