Ballard’s Supply Chain Group has an immediate opening for a Senior Buyer.
This role serves as the primary commercial interface between Ballard and a portfolio of strategic global suppliers across complex and multi-category commodities. The position ensures reliable supply, optimized inventory, and competitive total cost structures across multiple manufacturing facilities and product lines.
You will be accountable for on-time delivery (OTD) of critical and technically complex materials while balancing supply risk, inventory turns, working capital, and total cost of ownership.
This role plays a key part in supporting both new product development and ongoing production of hydrogen fuel cell engines, working cross-functionally with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Product Development in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities- Serve as the commercial lead and primary interface for assigned strategic global suppliers across complex and multi-category commodities
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies to ensure supply continuity, competitive total cost of ownership, and long-term supplier performance
- Manage a diversified portfolio of technically complex materials to support both Program and Production objectives
- Drive On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance by reviewing ERP/MRP signals and demand forecasts, executing purchase orders, and optimizing inventory levels and working capital
- Negotiate and implement supply agreements, including pricing, payment terms, logistics terms, warranties, and risk allocation
- Lead cross-functional supplier selection activities, including RFQs, supplier audits, technical evaluations, and Supplier Scorecard performance reviews
- Maintain deep knowledge of supplier capabilities, capacity constraints, financial health, and geopolitical exposure
- Proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate potential supply interruptions or risks
- Partner with Product Development teams from early concept stages to assess cost drivers, manufacturability, supply risk, and feasibility
- Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement of procurement policies and governance
- Post-secondary degree in Engineering, Business, Commerce, or related discipline
- Professional procurement accreditation (e.g., CIPS, SCMP, CPSM) is preferred
- 6+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and/or senior purchasing roles
- Manufacturing experience in complex, engineered, or multi-component environments (automotive, industrial equipment, energy systems, or similar) is highly desirable
- Demonstrated experience managing global suppliers and technically complex commodities
- Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines
- Comfortable operating in a fast paced, changing environment
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
- Results-driven with a high sense of ownership and urgency
- Analytical and disciplined, with strong data integrity mindset
- Creative problem solver with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity
- Effective negotiator with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
- Strong verbal and written communication skills — clear, structured, and decisive
The typical hiring range for this position is $75,000 - $117,250. Ballard considers many factors in determining total compensation, including the successful Candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, experience, position location, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards offering, permanent employees in this position may be eligible for our competitive annual short-term and long-term bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.
As a Ballard…
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