Supply Chain Operations Buyer

About IBM Finance & Operations

IBM Finance & Operations plays a critical role in enabling IBM's transformation by fostering efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making throughout the company. The team delivers insights and rigor that shape strategy, maintain financial health, and support innovation and growth investments. Employees collaborate across functions and regions, leveraging data, technology, and process excellence to enhance business performance.

The environment encourages continuous learning, career advancement, and inclusivity, empowering employees to contribute to IBM's global progress while developing their own careers within a dynamic setting.

Role Overview

The Operations Buyer is primarily responsible for procuring essential goods and services, managing vendor relations and onboarding, overseeing procurement processes from start to finish, and applying contracting knowledge to assess risks and comply with client requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively to understand, convey, and negotiate as per requirements.
• Assess and review requisition details thoroughly.
• Identify when non-catalog purchases should be redirected to catalog solutions.
• Collaborate efficiently with requesters/clients for clarifications or additional information.
• Select sourcing options using provided master files.
• Negotiate cost savings and terms for non-contracted vendors when applicable.
• Interpret contract relationships and details accurately.
• Procure low-cost service purchases, including sourcing identification.
• Confirm pricing, delivery schedules, and purchase order receipts.
• Utilize ERP tools relevant to procurement activities.
• Adhere to all client-specific procedures and processes.
• Facilitate new supplier setups by supplying required information.
• Coordinate with clients and suppliers on supplier and payment-related concerns alongside commodity managers.
• Maintain complete and accurate supplier documentation.
• Prepare and update reports and trackers using MS Excel.
• Ensure all purchasing documentation is audit-ready.
• Collaborate smoothly with stakeholders and management.
• Maintain a positive attitude, demonstrate planning skills, curiosity, self-discipline, and be able to work in AU rotational shifts.

Educational Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree is preferred for this role.

Professional Experience and Skills

• Between 1 to 3 years of experience in supply chain domains.
• Experience working as a Supply Chain Operations Buyer within global organizations.
• Capability to handle procurement activities involving client-preferred and IBM-sourced vendors.
• Strong communication capabilities.
• Familiarity with supply chain and logistics concepts is a plus.
• Experience in commercial supply chain roles with client interactions or consulting.
• Comfortable with virtual client-facing communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.