Buying Specialist - Indirect Materials

Buying Specialist - Indirect Materials

The Indirect Buyer manages the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for non-production goods and services necessary to sustain manufacturing plant operations and corporate functions. Key categories include manufacturing consumables, Cleanroom/Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) supplies, equipment (CAPEX), Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) materials, facility services. The primary objective is to optimize the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while ensuring strict quality, safety, and operational continuity.

Manage indirect categories including automated test equipment (ATE), specialized cleanroom garments, facility maintenance (HVAC, power), and standard corporate overhead. Develop tailored sourcing strategies for facilities, utilities and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) services, supplies and equipment. Identify cost-out opportunities by consolidating vendors, standardizing site consumables, and conducting competitive bidding while coordinating closely with the commodity management team. Lead RFx processes (RFP, RFQ, RFI) by working with engineering and production to clearly define technical specifications. Negotiate master service agreements (MSAs), commercial terms, and service level agreements (SLAs). Draft special terms and conditions in collaboration with legal teams to minimize supply chain and compliance risks. Process and track purchase orders (POs) within the ERP system, ensuring seamless three-way matching with invoices and receiving slips. Audit stocking strategies for critical plant consumables to eliminate the risk of stockouts without bloating inventory. Reconcile receiving discrepancies and manage returned goods to vendors. Evaluate vendor performance using clear KPIs focused on delivery reliability, cost variance, and quality. Mitigate supplier risk by ensuring all providers strictly comply with required safety guidelines, legal standards, and corporate ethics.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Experience: Minimum 24 years of experience in indirect procurement or sourcing, ideally within an electronics, semiconductor, or automotive manufacturing ecosystem.

Technical Skills & Systems ERP/Procurement Tools: Proficient with enterprise software such as ivalua, SAP, Coupa, Oracle, or JD Edwards. Data Literacy: Advanced capabilities in spreadsheets to perform spend analytics and cost-trend tracking. Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with electronics manufacturing

Soft Skills Influencing & Advising: Ability to serve as a strategic "business partner" to internal stakeholders rather than a corporate gatekeeper. Agility & Prioritization: Proven ability to pivot effectively between routine administration and high-urgency production floor needs.

Celstica is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on any protected status (including race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran or disability status or other characteristics protected by law). At Celestica we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. Special arrangements can be made for candidates who need it throughout the hiring process.