Sr. Strategic Buyer at Lonza Inc. in Walkersville, Maryland

Job Description:

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

As a Senior Strategic Buyer, you will play a key role in driving value for site stakeholders by working closely with the Central Procurement team to ensure seamless business continuity and alignment with site-specific objectives. You will build strong partnerships with key stakeholders across sites to manage and optimize supplier relationships and performance. Drawing on your expertise in tendering, negotiation, contracting, and procurement systems, you will lead the execution of strategic sourcing initiatives while overseeing delegated spend to ensure procurement processes are both efficient and impactful at the site level.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Central Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies, ensuring alignment with current and future business needs at the site level.




• Lead sourcing initiatives for delegated spend across assigned sites, driving efficiency and cost savings.




• Provide expert support in tendering, negotiations, contracting, and procurement planning, ensuring compliance and best practices.




• Assist in global and regional sourcing efforts, supporting the roll-out of procurement policies, procedures, and tools across sites.




• Optimize procurement activities by identifying cost efficiencies, driving automation, and utilizing leading-edge tools like e-auctions and online catalogs.




• Manage supplier relationships, including transitions, performance monitoring, and risk assessments (e.g. supply, quality, financial risks).




• Partner with site stakeholders and controllers to forecast spend, track savings, and ensure business continuity for indirect materials, while identifying risks and opportunities for improvement.

Key Requirements:

• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.




• Positive attitude and a proactive approach to learning new skills.




• Solid understanding of general business practices and procurement fundamentals.




• Experience in both Operational Procurement and Strategic Buying/Category Management.




• Expertise in tendering, negotiation tactics, planning, and contracting.




• Proven track record in third-party spend management and supplier relationship management.




• Ability to influence and persuade suppliers to secure the best outcomes for Lonza.




• Hands-on experience with SAP ERP and SAP Ariba (for Strategic Buyer, Indirect Procurement).




• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other essential tools for procurement operations.




• Bachelor’s degree, MBA, or advanced degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Procurement, or Supply Chain.

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically. People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference. 

The full-time base annual salary for this Hybrid position is expected to range is between $95,400.00 and $111,300.00. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and job-related knowledge. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including performance-related bonus, medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off (PTO), and more.  

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.