Public Buyer

The Public Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring that LIH acquires the goods and services it needs to operate effectively, efficiently and in full compliance with applicable public procurement laws and internal procedures. 

As a key contributor to the success of the research units and support services, the Public Buyer will help ensure procurement operations are strategically aligned with LIH’s mission.

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, analytical and capable of managing multiple priorities and stakeholders. He/she will handle the full procurement lifecycle, from defining needs and identifying suppliers, to managing tenders and contracts, to tracking performance and driving improvements.

The position offers also an excellent career development opportunity for researchers interested in leveraging their research knowledge within an administrative or procurement-oriented role in the public research sector.

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct market research to identify qualified suppliers and assess their offerings;
• Develop and manage competitive bidding processes (RFI/RFQ/RFP) in line with public procurement regulations and other applicable regulations;
• Lead public tender procedures and ensure compliance in accordance with the Luxembourg law of April 8, 2018 on public procurement;
• Evaluate bids and proposals, negotiate contract terms and award contracts;
• Draft and maintain procurement documentation, including specifications, tender reports, award decisions and contract files;
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and clarifications;
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (scientific, operational and support departments) to understand procurement needs and define appropriate sourcing strategies;
• Use internal procurement and ERP tools to manage the full procurement lifecycle, from request to payment;
• Monitor supplier performance and maintain supplier records and evaluations;
• Promote and apply sustainable and responsible procurement practices;
• Monitor procurement KPIs such as cost savings, lead times, negotiation outcomes and supplier performance; 
• Coordinate travel bookings in accordance with institutional policies, including transport and accommodation arrangements for staff, guests and external collaborators;
• Manage insurance contracts and claims, including those related to travel, liability and institutional assets, in collaboration with relevant departments;
• Contribute to procurement planning, budgeting and reporting activities;
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost optimisation;
• Participate in procurement-related working groups, training activities and knowledge-sharing event;
• Train internal stakeholders on procurement rules and tools when needed.
• Represent the Procurement unit in cross-functional meetings and contribute to institutional projects.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, law or a related field;
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a similar role, ideally within public procurement / purchasing / sales or marketing;
• Candidates with a scientific background and a strong interest in public procurement are encouraged to apply;
• Familiarity with Luxembourgish and/or European public procurement legislation;
• A public procurement certification is an asset;
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills ;
• High level of integrity, confidentiality and excellence service-oriented mindset;
• Strong organisational and time management skills, ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure;
• Proficienfy in MS office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), experience with procurement or ERP tools is an asset;
• Language skills: French and English (fluent mandatory); Luxembourgish or German would be considered an advantage.

Applications including a cover letter and a curriculum vitae should be sent before August 31st, 2025 via our website www.LIH.lu/jobs with the ref: MC/PB0725/LB/PROC

Gender Equality

The LIH is an equal opportunities employer. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff. The LIH is attentive to gender representation among its leadership staff and aims to eliminate obstacles to the recruitment and promotion of female leaders and their career development.