Buyer Team Leader

What you’ll do:

The Purchasing Team Leader leads a team of buyers responsible for securing raw materials and finished goods to support uninterrupted production, customer fulfilment, and/or a specific finished goods portfolio. The role ensures timely purchasing execution, strong supplier performance, accurate inventory levels, and effective coordination across the end-to-end supply chain. Working closely with Network Planning, Customer Service, Warehousing, Logistics, Quality, and Finance, the Team Leader drives operational excellence, resolves supply issues, and continuously develops purchasing capabilities across the team. The role will also deputise for the Network Purchasing Leader when required and engage with senior leaders across the organisation. Strong communication, a results-focused mindset, and the ability to clearly identify root causes and define effective action plans are essential.

Main Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a team of buyers responsible for raw material and finished goods purchasing.
• Performance Development: Support the Network Purchasing Leader in optimising overall team performance and purchasing effectiveness.
• Material Availability: Ensure materials and finished goods are available to meet production requirements and customer demand.
• Supplier Performance: Monitor and improve supplier on-time delivery, responsiveness, and adherence to agreed lead times.
• Purchase Order Management: Oversee PO creation, accuracy, confirmation, and delivery tracking to maintain reliable supply.
• Issue Resolution: Lead escalations relating to late deliveries, shortages, quality concerns, and logistics delays, ensuring clear root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Inventory & Lead-Time Optimisation: Partner with planning teams to optimise safety stock, MOQs, lead times, and replenishment parameters.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Network Planning, Customer Service, Production, Logistics, Warehousing, Quality, and Finance to resolve supply constraints and improve end-to-end performance.
• KPI Management: Track and report key purchasing metrics, including on-time delivery, order cycle time, shortages, supplier performance, and inventory health.
• Continuous Improvement: Standardise purchasing processes, improve operational efficiency, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supplier Communication: Establish consistent supplier communication, expectations, and escalation frameworks.
• Site Leadership: Provide leadership and purchasing support to onsite teams as required.
• Leadership Cover: Deputise for the Network Purchasing Leader during periods of absence.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Materials Management, Production Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of purchasing/procurement experience, including experience leading and developing teams.

Skills:

• Fluency in English
• Advanced SAP MM knowledge, ideally at Key User level
• Strong purchasing and procurement expertise
• Kinaxis experience is an advantage
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven supplier management experience
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Strong change management and leadership skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including exposure to senior stakeholders
• Strong coaching, people development, and team leadership capabilities

What We Offer:

• Wide Range of Employee Benefits: Hybrid work model, Annual bonus, Cafeteria, Private Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, - Eye-glass refund, AYCM partnership, Internal reward system (E-Stars)
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Access comprehensive support programs designed to enhance your overall wellbeing
• Family Friendly: Enjoy a family-friendly environment with policies that support work-life balance
• Talent Management and Career Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth, with a strong focus on internal mobility, continuous learning, and peer coaching
• Dog-Friendly: Bring your furry friend to work in our dog-friendly office
• Dedicated Spaces: Utilize our family room, multi-prayer room, stretching room, and chill room for your comfort and convenience
• Company Yoga Sessions: Participate in regular yoga sessions to stay fit and relaxed
• Social Responsibility: Join a socially responsible organization committed to making a positive impact
• Employee Appreciation Day: Celebrate with us on Employee Appreciation Day, recognizing your hard work and contributions

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.

Join Eaton, a global leader where equality and inclusivity are at the heart of our mission. Here, everyone is valued and belongs. Be part of a team that delivers cutting-edge, energy-efficient solutions, making a tangible impact on the world. We empower our customers to manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical energy more effectively, safely, and sustainably. At Eaton, we’re dedicated to enhancing quality of life and protecting the environment with our innovative energy management technologies and services.

Our EMEA Business Service Center (BSC) in Budapest is Eaton’s largest office in the region. With a diverse team of over 700 people, representing 40+ nationalities and speaking 20+ languages, the BSC is the central hub for business services. It empowers seamless operations and drives exceptional results across our electrical, industrial, and corporate teams. We are proud to be a Disability Friendly Workplace, ensuring an inclusive environment for all our employees.