Category Buyer - (Indirect Procurement)

WELCOME TO BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions.
The Sandefjord manufacturing site specializes in making active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and dietary supplements of highly concentrated Omega-3 fatty acids.
Around 140 people are based at the site and covers functions such as Quality management, R&D, Process- and Plant development, finance and HR.
We are looking for a Category Buyer who will ensure reliable, economic, and competitive supply of products and services in the Nordic region. 

The position is based in Sandefjord, Norway and the start date is expected to be the 1st of March 2026.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

In this role, you will be the focal point for all procurement topics ensuring that the purchasing needs of technical goods and services for the sites within the Nordic area are met. Your responsibilities will include: 
•    Prepare, execute, evaluate tenders and negotiate with suppliers. 
•    Negotiate and award contracts, drive and implement contracts locally (S2C).
•    Deliver cost savings.
•    You will be a critical link between the broader BASF procurement organization and local sites’ needs and support in developing and maintaining close and productive relationships with key stakeholders. 
•    You will implement global strategies locally.
•    You will develop and implement procurement strategies for local categories. 
•    Manage supplier relationships (supplier identification, qualification & development, performance reviews, etc.
•    You will challenge spending and foster the use of standard tools and processes in the region and act as a key point of contact for our site's procurement needs.
•    You will have the flexibility of hybrid work on some days.

WHAT YOU OFFER

•    A business-related degree (Commercial, Business, Engineering). Minimum a Bachelor’s degree is required. 
•    A professional qualification in purchasing, at least 3 years strategic buying experience (not operational procurement) in technical/indirect procurement, site services. Experience in purchasing in production sites is an advantage. 
•    If you are newly educated, we are also interested in your application and welcome you to apply.
•    Strong communication skills in order to build/maintain the relationship with the iBPs (internal Business Partners).
•    A strong collaborative approach with the ability to build relationships, influence and gain cooperation at all levels and across regions to achieve your objectives.
•    A drive to take ownership for own categories with support from the wider procurement team.
•    SAP experience – SAP R/3 Cobalt, SAP S/4 Hana is an advantage.
•    Excellent MS Office skills.
•    You possess the ability to effectively manage your workload, prioritize tasks, and multitask.
•    You can work with minimum supervision.
•    If you are an experienced buyer, then strong commercial / contract negotiation skills are an advantage.
•    Fluency in English and Norwegian. 
•    In this role you are required to travel within Europe a few times a year for meetings and trainings with the team.  
•    A valid driving license would be preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

A unique opportunity for the right candidate to build a career in an international work environment.

Responsibility from day one in a challenging work environment as part of a committed team. We offer a comprehensive package with an attractive salary and bonus and provide the autonomy and support infrastructure needed to excel in this role.

We believe that diversity and inclusion make the difference. Only when people with diverse backgrounds come together, contribute their various experiences and attitudes, and look at challenges from different perspectives, will creative innovations and ground-breaking solutions be created. We celebrate diversity and actively promote an inclusive work environment.

HOW TO APPLY

You apply via our online application portal. 
Important: Please upload your CV in English and answer the questions in the application form also in English. 

For questions regarding the position, please contact Head of Procurement Małgorzata Litwa (malgorzata.litwa@basf.com)

Information about our application process can be found here: Application
For further questions regarding the application process, please contact the HR Team (Talent-Acquisition-Nordics@basf.com)

We will be interviewing on a continuous basis, so we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

ABOUT US

We are the world's leading chemical company because we offer intelligent solutions for our customers and for a sustainable future. Our product portfolio ranges from chemicals, performance ingredients, agricultural products to oil and gas. We link and develop people with diverse talents all over the world. For you, this means a variety of ways to advance. Not only your performance but also your personality matter to us. At BASF, careers develop from opportunities.

Diversity is our greatest strength!

Become a part of our winning formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.

Competencies