Operational Buyer

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Operational Buyer

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Job description

Nippon Sanso is one of the leading companies in the industrial and medical gases business in Europe. Serving over 150,000 customers and 350,000 patients across 14 countries, we offer a comprehensive range of gas-based solutions tailored to sectors including healthcare, food, electronics, manufacturing, chemicals, and energy, among many others.

We are hiring for our Italian Procurement department an Operational Buyer who will be responsible for managing day-to-day procurement activities for assigned spend areas, ensuring timely execution of purchasing processes, operational excellence, and compliance with internal policies and external regulations. The Operational Buyer will be based in Milan and will work closely with local and regional stakeholders to support business continuity, cost efficiency, and supplier performance.

We are looking for a proactive and hands-on procurement professional with knowledge of purchasing processes and some experience in operational procurement within industrial or manufacturing environments. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities effectively, and confident in building strong working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

The role will manage the operational procurement lifecycle for OPEX and CAPEX purchases, from purchase requests and supplier quotations to purchase order issuance, follow-up, and documentation in JDE. Main tasks will be the following:

• Manage the end-to-end operational procurement process for assigned categories and purchasing requests, including RFQ preparation, bid comparison, purchase order issuance, and documentation in assigned ERP.
• Ensure timely execution of CAPEX and OPEX purchasing activities in line with business needs, approved budgets, and company procedures.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, finance, and other internal stakeholders to clarify technical specifications, delivery requirements, and procurement priorities.
• Monitor open orders, delivery schedules, and supplier confirmations; proactively follow up on delays, discrepancies, non-conformities and service issues.
• Maintain accurate procurement data, contracts, quotations, and supplier records across relevant digital tools and systems.
• Support supplier onboarding, performance monitoring, and periodic supplier reviews in coordination with Tactical Buyers, category managers and business stakeholders.
• Contribute to savings tracking, KPI reporting, and process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, compliance, and service quality.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, legal requirements, ethical standards, and delegated authority throughout the procurement process.
• Collaborate with the broader procurement team on framework agreements, sourcing initiatives, and continuous improvement projects.

Job requirements

Background

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in business, economics, engineering, supply chain, or a related field.
• At least 2 years’ experience in operational procurement or purchasing, preferably within industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Experience in managing OPEX and CAPEX purchasing activities, supplier quotations, order placement, and procurement follow-up.
• Good knowledge of JDE and/or Zycus procurement modules will be a plus.
• Fluent Italian and good English are required. Knowledge of additional European languages would be a plus.
• Solid experience in working with KPIs, reporting tools, and procurement documentation.

Required Skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple requests and deadlines effectively.
• Good analytical skills and a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Commercial awareness and confidence in dealing with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Clear communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to build effective working relationships across functions.
• Hands-on, service-oriented mindset with the ability to operate in fast-paced and evolving business environments.
• Proactive approach to follow-up, issue resolution, and continuous process improvement.

Others : Availability to travel occasionally within Italy and, if required, across Europe (10%) Work location: Milan, Italy.

The salary range starts at €40.000 gross per year, with the final offer depending on the candidate’s experience and overall profile.

Why join Nippon Sanso? At Nippon Sanso, we’re a reliable partner for key industries, combining global expertise with a local touch to make a real difference. Guided by our commitment to sustainability, we drive innovation through cutting-edge technology and a strong R&D network. Here, you’ll have the autonomy to own your career, with the chance to work on projects that impact communities and shape a carbon-neutral future.

Discover a place where you’ll play a key role in solutions that power major industries and make a difference in everyday life. At Nippon Sanso, our technologies support countless essential processes — often behind the scenes — that keep food fresh, enhance electronic chip production, purify water, and provide critical respiratory treatments. With a solid, diversified presence across Europe, we’re a reliable and stable company dedicated to constant innovation and to creating a healthier, more sustainable future.

What we offer

• Remuneration and benefits and worklife balance 💰: We offer a range of bonuses, long-term incentives, competitive salaries, which we review each year to remain competitive in the market. In addition, we have a wide range of benefits as a company, you can choose what suits you best: transport, pension plan, health insurance, etc.
• Flexible schedule 🕓: You'll have the freedom to adjust your work hours to accommodate your personal needs and responsibilities.
• Home Office Policy 💻: With our hybrid work plan, you can enjoy working from the comfort of your home.
• Diversity and inclusion 😊: Be part of an inclusive, diverse culture, where everyone’s contribution is respected. A place where individual talent is recognised and nurtured.
• Sustainability 🍀: We enable a carbon neutral world. Nippon Gases spearheads the efforts to achieving zero CO2 emissions by helping industries in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
• Safety first 🦺: We create a safe environment where our employees can thrive. In the past two decades, we have been honored 17 times as the safest company in Europe by the Industrial Gases Association (EIGA).

About Us

Nippon Gases is one of the leading companies in the industrial and medical gases business in Europe. We service more than 150,000 customers and have a diversified involvement in broad industries such as healthcare, food, manufacturing, metallurgy, chemical products, electronics and energy. We aim to create social value through innovative gas solutions that increase industrial productivity, enhance human well-being and contribute to a more sustainable future. Making life better through gas technology.

What can you expect from us?

We are an industrial company in which safety and integrity come first, as it could not be otherwise. We bet on the talent of each of our employees, creating opportunities for development and learning, as well as offering an environment of personal conciliation. Our employees are the key to achieve high customer satisfaction and be, day by day, your choice. We have a high commitment to society and respect for the environment. These values make us a great company with solid and continuous financial results.

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Nippon Gases is a company committed to equality and promotes an inclusive work environment free of any type of discrimination and harassment. We believe that the diversity of talent strengthens and increases our success. We have equality policies that guarantee employability and increase opportunities for all candidates.