Buyer/ Sr. Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Supply Chain / Procurement
Reports To: Plant GM
Location: Summit Santa Clara

Position Summary

The Buyer / Senior Buyer is responsible for the procurement of direct and indirect materials required to support manufacturing operations.  This position manages supplier relationships, ensures material availability, negotiates pricing and delivery, monitors inventory levels, and works cross-functionally with Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance to meet business objectives.  The Senior Buyer level includes additional strategic sourcing, supplier development, contract negotiation, and mentoring responsibilities.

Essential Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

• Procure raw materials, chemicals, laminates, prepregs, copper foil, consumables, and indirect materials.
• Issue purchase orders in accordance with approved sourcing strategies and company policies.
• Maintain uninterrupted material flow to support production schedules.
• Monitor supplier acknowledgements, pricing discrepancies, and ensure timely confirmations.
• Expedite late deliveries and resolve supply interruptions.
• Manage supplier lead times and communicate risks proactively.
• Support supplier corrective actions when quality or delivery issues occur.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels and recommend appropriate safety stock.
• Develop Min-Max levels for inventory.
• Balance inventory investment against customer demand.
• Review MRP recommendations and adjust purchase plans as necessary.
• Support inventory reduction initiatives without impacting customer deliveries.

Cost Management

• Identify and execute cost reduction opportunities.
• Evaluate total landed cost, including freight, tariffs, duties, and Supplier price increases 
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities.

Cross-Functional Support

Collaborate with Production Planning, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Program Management, and Sales to ensure material availability and successful product launches.  Assist Receiving Function.

Risk Management

• Monitor supplier capacity and business continuity risks.
• Develop mitigation plans for constrained materials.
• Maintain alternate sourcing strategies.
• Support supplier qualification efforts.

Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate purchasing data within the ERP system.
• Track supplier KPIs, including On-Time Delivery, Lead Time, Quality, Cost Savings, and Inventory Turns
• Prepare procurement reports for management.

Additional Responsibilities (Senior Buyer)

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Negotiate long-term supply agreements.
• Develop supplier sourcing strategies.
• Manage supplier transitions and onboarding.
• Lead Request for Quote (RFQ) events.
• Evaluate supplier financial health.
• Mentor Buyers and Purchasing Coordinators.
• Lead cross-functional cost reduction projects.
• Develop commodity strategies.
• Participate in executive supplier meetings.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of purchasing experience (Buyer).
• Manufacturing experience required.
• ERP/MRP experience (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of purchasing or strategic sourcing experience (Senior Buyer).
• PCB manufacturing experience.
• Electronics manufacturing experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Experience with Sage Accounting Software a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP preferred).
• Strong understanding of inventory management principles.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to 25 - 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate a forklift.