Summary
The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement of electronic components, materials, and services to support production, new product introduction, and strategic initiatives. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can balance cost, quality, and delivery objectives while building strong supplier relationships and driving continuous improvement. The Senior Buyer must also demonstrate a strong understanding of backlog and backlog management, particularly as it relates to demand signaling, material requirements, and inventory impact.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end purchasing activities, including RFQs, negotiations, purchase orders, and supplier management.
- Drive inventory management initiatives to increase turns through stocking programs, right-sizing inventory levels, and optimizing revenue.
- Implement defined sourcing strategies to ensure cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and risk mitigation.
- Provide clear program summaries, including defined actions, accountable owners, and follow-up timelines.
- Properly expedite materials and components to ensure on-time delivery and prevent production delays.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Quality to support business objectives.
- Analyze market trends and identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
- Realign materials based on system requirements to help pull in customer orders and support faster shipment.
- Mentor and support junior buyers and purchasing staff.
- Assess and evaluate suppliers and undertake performance reviews to ensure contract compliance and manage performance improvement
- Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers.
- Other responsibilities as directed and necessary for the business.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of procurement or supply chain experience, preferably in manufacturing or high-tech industries.
- Expertise in electronic component buying and sourcing, with the ability to recommend alternate items when necessary.
- Extensive experience properly expediting materials and components to ensure on-time delivery and prevent production delays.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong soft skills in written emails, clear status reporting, and Excel-based analysis.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strategic thinker with strong execution skills.
- Results-driven and proactive in addressing challenges.
- Strong relationship-building and supplier management capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings and process improvements.