Category Buyer

Category Buyer - Engineering Services

Are you ready to shape the future of global CapEx procurement by leading high-impact engineering services contracts for world-class life sciences facilities? Join our dynamic CapEx procurement team in Basel and directly influence the strategic sourcing of design, construction, commissioning, and qualification services for Lonza’s major global capital investment pipeline.

This is a hybrid role - 3 days in Basel and 2 days home office. Some travel will also be required to other sites e.g. Visp / Stein. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and team alignment, enabling us to deliver our best work. 

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.

What you will do:

• Support the development and execution of category strategies for the procurement of engineering services, including design, construction, commissioning, qualification, and related project services, by providing market intelligence, supplier insights, and procurement expertise.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including Category Managers, Regional Project Lead Buyers, Contract & Claim Management, Responsible Sourcing, Global Engineering, Centers of Excellence, and project teams to understand business requirements and support successful project execution.
• Conduct market research and supplier evaluations to identify qualified suppliers, assess capabilities and capacity, monitor supplier performance, and contribute to effective supplier relationship management.
• Lead the end-to-end Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP / Request for Quotation (RFQ) processes for assigned sourcing events and major procurement packages, including commercial evaluations, negotiations, and contract finalization, in alignment with category strategies and business objectives.
• Negotiate framework agreements and project-specific contracts to secure competitive commercial terms, mitigate contractual risks, and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable industry standards.
• Execute procurement activities from sourcing through contract award and purchase order placement, ensuring timely delivery, quality, cost effectiveness, and adherence to project schedules.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capacity, pricing developments, and industry dynamics to provide recommendations that support strategic sourcing decisions and risk management initiatives.
• Identify and implement cost-saving, value-creation, and process improvement opportunities that contribute to category performance objectives and procurement excellence.
• Prepare analyses, reports, and presentations for Category Management and senior stakeholders, providing insights into market conditions, supplier performance, sourcing activities, risks, and opportunities.
• Support supplier onboarding and engagement in Responsible Sourcing initiatives, including sustainability and decarbonization programs. Monitor supplier compliance with the company Supplier Code of Conduct and related commitments, such as climate action, human rights, child labor prevention, and biodiversity requirements, and follow up on corrective action plans as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes, systems, and stakeholder engagement activities, helping to enhance efficiency, transparency, and value delivery.

What we are looking for:

• Proven strategic sourcing and procurement experience in engineering services, EPCM, and technical services within the life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical sector.
• Strong expertise negotiating industry-standard contract frameworks (such as SIA, FIDIC, NEC, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience managing the full procurement lifecycle, from competitive sourcing events through purchase order placement in ERP systems (e.g., SAP / SAP Ariba).
• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or equivalent practical industry experience.
• Strong analytical skills, data-driven decision-making, and proficiency with reporting tools (Power BI, Excel).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills in fluent English; German language skills are desirable.
• Professional procurement certifications (such as MCIPS or CPSM) are a plus.

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

As Lonza’s talent acquisition partner, please note, Randstad is responsible for the engagement and contracting of this contingent role.

Ready to play your part in shaping the future of life sciences? Apply now.