Senior Category Buyer

Job Description / Key Responsibilities

The Senior Category Buyer is responsible for developing and executing category strategies to ensure sustainable, competitive, and resilient supply for Schneider Electric.

The role drives cost optimization, supplier performance, innovation, and risk management while ensuring compliance with company, ethical, and sustainability standards.

Key responsibilities include:


* Category Strategy & Execution



* Define, implement, and continuously improve plant category strategies aligned with Schneider Electric's business objectives.


* Translate business needs into robust sourcing strategies delivering total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization.

Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation


* Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFQ/RFP, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and award decisions.


* Conduct complex commercial negotiations to secure best-in-class cost, quality, delivery, and service.

Supplier Relationship Management


* Develop and manage strategic supplier partnerships to support innovation, supply continuity, and long-term value creation.


* Drive supplier performance through structured governance, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cost & Value Management


* Identify and implement cost reduction, productivity, and value-engineering opportunities.


* Monitor market intelligence, commodity trends, and risk factors to anticipate impacts and take proactive actions.

Risk, Compliance & Sustainability


* Proactively manage supply chain risks and business continuity plans.


* Ensure supplier compliance with Schneider Electric's policies, ethical standards, and sustainability commitments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration


* Partner closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Global team and Business stakeholders to align sourcing decisions and future strategy as per operational requirements.


* Act as a procurement subject-matter expert in category-related initiatives.

Digital & Process Excellence


* Leverage Schneider Electric's digital tools and procurement systems to drive efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decisions.


* Contribute to procurement transformation and best practice sharing.

Job Qualifications / Requirements

Education & Experience


* Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Economics, or related field (Master's degree is a plus).


* 7-10 years of progressive experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management.


* Proven experience managing strategic categories in a multinational or industrial environment.

Procurement & Technical Skills


* Strong expertise in:



* Category management and strategic sourcing


* Contracting and negotiation


* Supplier relationship and performance management


* Cost analysis and TCO modeling

Solid understanding of supply chain dynamics, market analysis, and risk management.

Experience wo...