Machine & Complementary Machines Strategic Buyer

ABOUT THE GROUP

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.

Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and we are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team.  We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.

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OVERVIEW

At Lavazza North America, the Coffee & Complementary Strategic Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing supplier relationships for coffee machines and related complementary products. This role ensures cost-effective purchasing, quality compliance, and strategic vendor partnerships to support business goals. It involves collaborating with the Procurement Manager and relevant stakeholders to understand internal business needs and overall procurement objectives, targets and supporting a defining category management strategy. This role has responsibility for the operational management of the coffee machines and some elements of strategic management of spend for this category and complementary products.   

Furthermore, this role will be responsible for maintaining supplier relationships, contracting, and overseeing purchase-to-pay processes of the category.  Ensuring suppliers are compliant and adhering to the applicable regulations as well as supporting internal standards. This role requires keeping track of KPIs, Business Reviews and metrics to assess budget vs actual spending progress and providing reports to Procurement Management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute sourcing strategy for coffee machines and complementary products (e.g., accessories, maintenance kits, coffee-related equipment) by assessing supplier’s capabilities, evaluate market conditions, submit RFI’s to probe core competencies and work with the technical teams to define the SOW’s. 
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability.
• Evaluate indexes and review spend reports to determine risks, current and future states of category, gain insights in terms of industry dynamics and trends, market size, and supplier analysis.  
• Benchmark costs by quoting with multiple suppliers while understanding the price drivers to influence requirements and specifications internally and externally. 
• Oversees Purchase-to-Pay processes of the category, ensuring compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, and priorities, orders are completed timely and accurately, effective purchase orders lifecycle management including eventual amendments and or cancellations. 
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure adherence to the short and long-term schedules, logistics and SQA in setting and monitoring improvement programs for the suppliers in terms of quality, cost, and delivery and Finance for invoice reconciliation.
• Initiate quotes and monitor key performance indicators through purchasing platforms such as Bravo Solutions, Ariba or similar system to initiate quotes and monitor key performance indicators.  
• Manage supplier sourcing activities by scouting suppliers outside of the ASL for new innovations for product development and manufacturing opportunities.  
• Develop cost-saving initiatives while maintaining product quality and performance.
• Work closely with quality assurance teams to conduct inspections and address quality issues.
• Implement supplier evaluation programs to maintain consistent product standards.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payments to suppliers.
• Support inventory management by ensuring optimal stock levels and timely replenishment.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, preferably in the food service or appliance industry.
• Experience writing and negotiating supplier contracts and managing vendor relationships.
• Financial acumen to understand business needs for savings, ROI’s, working capital, and profitability.
• Experience with ERP and MRP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple product lines in support of the Flavia and Lavazza brand. 
• Excellent organization, prioritization, project management, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment in interacting with internal customers and external suppliers. 
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• An eagerness to learn, personable demeanor, and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively amongst colleagues, and across all levels of management.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 10% Travel may be required within the United States

BENEFITS/PERKS

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits 
• 401K Package 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Onsite Cafeteria and Gym (West Chester location)
• Hybrid Work Schedule 
• Ability to be barista certified
• Monthly Lunches provided by Lavazza
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans 
• Employee Discounts 
• Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly! 
• Free coffee, anytime!

 
Lavazza is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Lavazza prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.