Job Description

Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your Role and Responsibilities
The prime responsibility of the Tactical Buyer is covering, but not limited to -
Procures basic goods and services, obtains quotation, develops proposals and/or negotiates contracts of low to moderate value/risk consistent with customer requirements. Responsible for supporting procurement activities within the region or geography. Works under the guidance of IBM's worldwide procurement teams, Interfaces with suppliers on issues that affect supplier operations and IBM strategic supply issues. Implement supply chain initiatives that provide end-to-end integrated opportunities for efficiency. Responsible for establishing, executing and tracking project plans, utilizing fundamental project management techniques, within specific areas of responsibility. On higher risk contracts, may work under the direction of more senior representatives. Communicates/negotiates with supplier and customer counterparts and management. Assists in the development of business strategies to accomplish business unit objectives. May also participate in procurement activities in support of multiple business units. Monitors industry to maintain awareness of current practices. Performs low to moderate risk/complexity supplier evaluations and selections. Assists in supplier evaluations and selections of a moderately complex nature. Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned.

Responsibilities
Procures basic goods and services, obtains quotation, develops proposals and/or negotiates contracts of low to moderate value/risk consistent with customer requirements. Responsible for supporting procurement activities within the region or geography. Works under the guidance of IBM's worldwide procurement teams, Interfaces with suppliers on issues that affect supplier operations and IBM strategic supply issues. Implement supply chain initiatives that provide end-to-end integrated opportunities for efficiency. Responsible for establishing, executing and tracking project plans, utilizing fundamental project management techniques, within specific areas of responsibility. On higher risk contracts, may work under the direction of more senior representatives. Communicates/negotiates with supplier and customer counterparts and management. Assists in the development of business strategies to accomplish business unit objectives. May also participate in procurement activities in support of multiple business units. Monitors industry to maintain awareness of current practices. Performs low to moderate risk/complexity supplier evaluations and selections. Assists in supplier evaluations and selections of a moderately complex nature. Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned.
Skills
Environment
Basic knowledge of business principles such as purchasing, supply chain, e-commerce (or e-procurement), materials logistics, business and contract law, finance and accounting as typically acquired through an undergraduate or graduate degree or equivalent. Advanced knowledge of analysis techniques (price volume matrix, quote analysis, project management business cases, etc.). A global perspective is necessary, realizing the potential/dynamics of world markets and the cultural implications and the opportunities they present.
Communication/Negotiation
Frequent contacts with outside company representatives at same or higher level to negotiate price, delivery, contract terms and conditions, etc, ensuring IBM receives competitive advantage. Regularly negotiates issues, such as supplier relationship management, contract performance, etc. Utilizes strong interpersonal, oral and written skills to conduct daily activities, demonstrating an applied knowledge of the English language. Negotiates contract of moderate risk/value. Negotiates decisions and commitments with others inside and outside of IBM within assigned responsibilities. Weekly contact with key suppliers and IBM interfaces. Provides timely communication to all affected individuals. Gives technical and business presentations as required. Has some responsibility for interpretation of guidelines.
Problem Solving
Monitors supplier performance and takes corrective action to ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions. Identifies and recommends alternative sourcing solutions to senior buyer or commodity team leader. Analyzes market conditions and variables to recommend sourcing alternatives that satisfy current and future product requirements for cost, quality and delivery. Articulates competing points of view, conflicts of interest, and competing alternatives. Must understand the matrixed environment of IBM, ensuring effective integration of efforts and resources.
Contribution/Leadership
Assists with the development and implementation of sourcing business plans to meet customer requirements consistent with IBM business objectives. As assigned, manages established contracts of a more complex nature. Actively participates in procurement/customer team activities. Participates in meetings with suppliers and/or customer representatives involving low to moderate risk/business issues as required. Ensures compliance with business controls. Keeps/approves commitments within signature authority. Maintains awareness of current and future customer requirements to ensure viable sources of supply. Evaluates/assesses supplier capabilities and makes recommendations on process and manufacturing changes. Acts as a center of competence on technical and business subjects within assigned areas of responsibility to assist management and staff in understanding and recommending changes to business processes. Stays abreast of the market environment and technical issues within assigned areas of responsibility. Provides trend and information to the worldwide commodity team as required. Work is reviewed by commodity team leader to ensure process integrity and competitive posture. Receives guidance from commodity team leader and/or procurement manager.
Impact on Business/Scope
Analyzes low to moderately complex, customer requirements/arrangements/contracts (e.g. cost, delivery, overall quality, licensing, etc.). May analyze more complex customer requirements under the guidance of more senior procurement/contracts personnel Assures projects are completed within schedule and cost objectives

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• Good command in both spoken and written English
• Microsoft Office Suite knowledge is a Must
• Strong communication capabilities with strong ownership & accountability
• Must be a quick learner, good team player and an effective problem-solver, self-motivated; able to work independently
• Leader Skill
• Bachelor's Degree
• Expert knowledge in procurement for atleast 5 years.

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

• None

About Business Unit The IBM Finance organization is responsible for driving enterprise performance and transformation. We are the financial stewards of IBM, delivering IBM’s financial strategy, developing new business models, and mitigating enterprise risk. Do you have a passion for creating business value? Join our team in accounting, financial planning, pricing, business controls, tax, treasury, business development (acquisitions & divestitures), and global financing.

This job requires you to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated prior to your start date and proof of vaccination status will be required before your start date. During the Onboarding process you will be asked to confirm your vaccination status, in case you are unable to get vaccinated for any reason, you can let us know at that stage. Please let us know if you are unable to be vaccinated due to medical or religious reasons. IBM will consider such requests on a case by case basis subject to submission of required proof by the candidate before a stipulated date.

Your Life @ IBM Are you craving to learn more? Prepared to solve some of the world's most unique challenges? And ready to shape the future for millions of people? If so, then it's time to join us, express your individuality, unleash your curiosity and discover new possibilities.

Every IBMer, and potential ones like yourself, has a voice, carves their own path, and uses their expertise to help co-create and add to our story. Together, we have the power to make meaningful change – to alter the fabric of our clients, of society and IBM itself, to create a truly positive impact and make the world work better for everyone.

It's time to define your career.

About IBM IBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 50 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

Location Statement When applying to jobs of your interest, we recommend that you do so for those that match your experience and expertise. Our recruiters advise that you apply to not more than 3 roles in a year for the best candidate experience.

For additional information about location requirements, please discuss with the recruiter following submission of your application.

Being You @ IBM IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.