Purchasing Lead

Spinal Elements is a Carlsbad, California-based medical device company focused on the design, development, and commercialization of a comprehensive portfolio of systems, products, and technologies for spine surgery procedures. A leading designer, developer, manufacturer, and marketer of innovative medical devices used in spinal surgical procedures, Spinal Elements combines leading medical device technologies, biologics, and instrumentation to create positive surgical outcomes that exceed surgeon and patient expectations.

Spinal Elements has built a reputation delivering innovative and differentiated technologies that enable fundamental shifts in solutions for spine surgery. The company markets a complete portfolio of advanced spinal implant technologies. Learn more at

The Purchasing Lead serves as a subject matter expert within the procurement function, overseeing complex sourcing activities and ensuring supply continuity for spinal medical device manufacturing and distribution. This role applies advanced knowledge of purchasing principles and regulatory requirements to develop sourcing strategies, resolve supplier challenges, and improve procurement processes. The Purchasing Lead partners cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to drive material readiness, cost efficiency, and supplier performance.

This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and provides guidance to other purchasing team members.

• Lead day-to-day procurement activities for assigned categories, ensuring timely and accurate purchasing execution.
• Resolve complex or escalated supplier performance issues, delivery delays, and quality concerns.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize cost, lead time, and inventory availability.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align purchasing activities with production schedules and project timelines.
• Serve as the primary contact for key suppliers, negotiating terms and fostering long-term supplier partnerships.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, lead time reduction, and risk mitigation within the supply base.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, supporting skill development and consistency of practices.
• Assist leadership in developing and maintaining supplier scorecards, KPIs, and audit documentation.
• Support cost analysis, budgeting, and forecasting related to purchasing activities.
• Contribute to policy and procedure updates to enhance compliance and efficiency across the procurement function.

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Net Suite, SAP, Oracle) and data analysis tools (e.g. Adaptive, Power BI) as well as Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Proven ability to manage complex supplier relationships and negotiate effectively.
• Advanced understanding of regulated manufacturing environments and supplier quality requirements.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work independently on complex issues and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.

• A full and comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and more
• Wellness program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement savings plan (401k) with 4% company match (no vesting period)
• Educational reimbursement program
• 10 paid company holidays and 1 floating holiday
• 15 days PTO
• Sick Time

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Typically requires a minimum of 5+ years of related purchasing or supply chain experience, preferably in a medical device, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industries.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or CPIM preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience mentoring or leading peers in a project or functional capacity desirable.

US Work Authorization required

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus

10% travel may be required

$75,000 - $95,000

Spinal Elements is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Recruiting Agencies:
Please do not forward resumes to the TA/HR team or Spinal Elements employees. Spinal Elements is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.