Senior Specialist I, Purchasing

Job's mission

As a Senior Buyer, you will ensure the uninterrupted supply of critical direct materials that enable manufacturing operations to meet customer demand, production goals, and business growth objectives. This role serves as a strategic link between suppliers and internal stakeholders, driving supplier performance, mitigating supply risks, and supporting key initiatives such as new product introductions, manufacturing ramp-ups, and product transfers. Through data-driven decision making, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement, you will help build a resilient, efficient, and scalable supply chain.

What you will be working on

• Manage the purchasing of direct materials to support production requirements, customer demand, and long-term supply continuity.
• Create, issue, confirm, reschedule, and cancel purchase orders while ensuring alignment with business priorities, inventory strategies, and supply commitments.
• Lead supplier performance management activities to ensure material availability, delivery reliability, and achievement of key business objectives.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate supply risks through supplier engagement, contingency planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as the primary purchasing lead for product transfers, manufacturing ramp-ups, and new product introduction activities to ensure uninterrupted material supply.
• Resolve complex supplier invoice discrepancies, goods receipt issues, and supply-related escalations in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Analyze supplier performance metrics and develop corrective action plans to drive continuous improvements in on-time delivery, responsiveness, and quality.
• Lead material expediting efforts and coordinate recovery plans with suppliers to address critical shortages and production impacts.
• Develop, implement, and optimize supply flexibility programs, including safety stock strategies, vendor-managed inventory (VMI), and other inventory optimization initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships that support operational excellence, long-term business growth, and risk mitigation objectives.
• Partner closely with planning, sourcing, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and project management teams to resolve complex supply chain challenges.
• Lead supply chain reviews, production meetings, and cross-functional project discussions related to assigned commodities, suppliers, and business initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process gaps, implementing best practices, and enhancing purchasing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior purchasing team members while promoting knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Support sourcing and supplier development initiatives, including capacity planning, supplier assessments, and business continuity planning activities.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain management, or a related field.
• Extensive experience managing direct materials in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting complex supply chains.
• Advanced proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems, with demonstrated experience leveraging system data for decision-making.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, including data analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and make sound business decisions with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of supply chain planning, inventory management, material flow concepts, and supply risk management.
• Experience managing supplier escalations and driving corrective actions to achieve measurable business results.
• Willingness to travel as required.

What sets you apart

• Experience within the semiconductor, electronics, or high-tech manufacturing industry.
• Experience leading product transfers, new product introductions, capacity expansions, or manufacturing ramp activities.
• Proven track record of driving measurable improvements in supplier performance, delivery reliability, and supply continuity.
• Experience developing and implementing inventory optimization strategies, safety stock programs, VMI solutions, and other supply flexibility initiatives.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing supply chains, supplier ecosystems, and market dynamics.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects and influencing outcomes across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience utilizing data analytics and performance metrics to drive purchasing and supply chain improvements.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience implementing process enhancements that improve efficiency, reduce risk, and deliver business value.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop less experienced team members while contributing to a high-performance team culture.