MEA Commercial Buyer

About the role

The MEA Commercial Buyer is responsible for managing the supplier base across the Middle East and Africa for designated categories. The role ensures execution of global and regional category strategies, drives cost‑of‑goods‑sold initiatives and guarantees material supply to factories according to key performance indicators.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies in alignment with regional stakeholders to achieve cost‑saving targets.
• Lead COGS programs, specification changes and resilience initiatives, including dual‑sourcing and non‑bespoke targets.
• Negotiate price, quality, lead times, minimum order quantities and payment terms with suppliers.
• Provide commercial support for new supplier introductions, approvals and specification changes, coordinating with Supplier Quality Assurance and R&D.
• Manage contracting processes, RFQs, tenders and purchase order issuance in line with Mars policies.
• Monitor supplier performance, resolve non‑conformances and contribute to working‑capital optimisation through stock‑reduction initiatives.
• Deliver regional market intelligence, purchase price variance (PPV) analysis and support planning and logistics teams to ensure supply continuity.

Required profile

• Proven experience in procurement, supplier management and category strategy execution.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with contract management, RFQ processes and compliance with corporate policies.
• Ability to analyse cost structures, PPV and working‑capital metrics.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving capabilities.

Required skills