Lead Purchasing Buyer

Sourcing Lead Buyer

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of Liquid hydrogen. Nikkiso ACD has the most diversified product line in the industry covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for complex commodities including precision machining, castings, forgings, weldments, fabricated components, and electrical assemblies.

Own multi-million-dollar global spend across machined castings, forgings, weldments, and precision components, aligning sourcing strategy with long-term growth, capacity planning, and operational objectives.

Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers globally to expand the approved supplier base and reduce supply risk.

Implement and maintain a structured "Keep, Grow & Exit" supplier segmentation framework to optimize supplier performance, strengthen strategic partnerships, and phase out underperforming suppliers.

Conduct supplier capability assessments including technical capability, manufacturing processes, equipment, certifications, and financial stability.

Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to support supplier qualification, first article inspections, and production readiness.

Evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities including CNC machining, welding, casting processes, electrical assembly, fabrication, and specialized testing requirements.

Ensure suppliers can meet complex technical requirements, regulatory standards, and industry certifications when applicable.

Work with suppliers to improve manufacturability, reduce lead times, increase capacity, and improve cost competitiveness.

Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers to support long-term business partnerships.

Lead global supplier development initiatives focused on improving on-time delivery (OTD), lead time reduction, and supplier quality performance (PPM/NCR reduction).

Negotiate long-term supply agreements including pricing structures, index-based pricing models, and contractual commitments to protect margins and improve supply stability.

Implement structured supplier performance reviews and scorecards to drive accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Develop sourcing strategies to address single-source risks, long lead-time components, and constrained manufacturing capacity.

Support contingency planning and supply continuity strategies for critical components.

Support procurement activities including RFQs, supplier negotiations, purchase order placement, and contract management when required.

Manage multiple commodities and suppliers to ensure cost, quality, and delivery targets are achieved.

Support inventory planning initiatives to maintain appropriate supply levels while minimizing excess inventory.

Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams to align sourcing strategies with product development and production schedules.

Support cross-site initiatives to standardize sourcing practices, supplier qualification processes, and procurement strategies across the business.

Drive sourcing best practices including supplier consolidation, cost reduction initiatives, and supply chain resilience improvements.

Support the implementation of procurement systems, sourcing tools, and process improvements.

Promote continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain through supplier collaboration and internal process optimization.

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred – extensive experience w/o Bachelor's degree will considered.

• 5+ years of sourcing or procurement experience in a manufacturing or engineered products environment.
• Proven experience sourcing complex machined components, castings, forgings, fabricated assemblies, or electrical systems.
• Strong experience evaluating supplier manufacturing capabilities, equipment, and technical expertise.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, casting, welding, forging, and fabrication.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications.
• Experience supporting supplier qualification and first article inspection processes.
• Contract negotiation and cost analysis
• Supplier performance management
• Supply risk mitigation
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as desktop computers and photocopiers. Requires ability to use a computer, type on keypad, and answer phones.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Nikkiso CE&IG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.