A lead buyer operating model for procurement refers to a structure where specific buyers or procurement professionals are assigned as lead buyers for strategic categories or key suppliers within an organization. These lead buyers take on a leadership role in managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and driving procurement strategies for their assigned categories.

They act as a primary point of contact, ensuring effective communication and coordination between suppliers and internal stakeholders. The lead buyer operating model enables focused expertise, supplier specialization, and strategic alignment, fostering improved supplier performance, cost savings, and value generation through targeted procurement efforts.