Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

The Senior Buyer must have a strong, solid background in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, must take a proactive approach in reviewing current systems and procedures, making recommendations and implementing changes. The position needs to be passionate and excited about working with a dynamic R&D team, working broadly within the mechanical engineering discipline including concept development, design, prototyping, testing and manufacturing.

• Develop supplier base by actively sourcing, identifying and evaluating new sources or suppliers and conducting negotiations in assigned commodity to obtain maximum benefit for the company.
• Establish strategic relationships with key suppliers who are aligned to the company's needs.
• Support the new product start‑up program by acting as focus person on behalf of the materials department to coordinate all materials.
• Support R&D new product by identifying and purchasing components and parts for initial prototype build; work with existing or new vendor to lower material cost through value engineering, reverse engineering, new design, alternative substitution or relaxing of tolerance or standard of the materials.
• Manage materials ordering, delivery confirmation, scheduling and on‑time delivery to meet the master production plan per MRP.
• Work closely with Planner and Fulfilment Analyst on forecast and schedule to ensure timely material supply.
• Meet inventory target by managing open purchase orders through cancellation and rescheduling.
• Continually improve purchasing methods and drive down external spend.
• Conduct supplier survey and assessment jointly with QA and Engineering team.
• Monitor and address supplier’s delivery and quality performance.
• Manage materials phase‑in/out plan and make tactical buying decisions to minimize obsolescence.
• Initiate and implement material consignment contract, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Just‑In‑Time (JIT) to suppliers on a global basis.
• Track commodities market trends and latest technological processes and provide input to management during the development of worldwide materials strategy.
• Carry out a comprehensive review of the Purchasing function and its methodology and identify and implement improvements.
• Mentor new starters, provide on‑the‑job training to existing team members, and ensure the team are satisfactorily supported in their day‑to‑day work activities.
• Perform ad‑hoc duties when assigned.

Education: At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or Business Management.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of working experience in purchasing/sourcing or equivalent.

• Good knowledge of inventory management and excellent negotiation skills.
• Management and coordination of purchasing activities related to cost, delivery and quality performance.
• Proactive approach to overcome challenges and achieve results.
• Experience in working with a design/development and manufacturing environment in new product start‑ups.
• Working knowledge of quality assurance or quality control; experience and knowledge of ISO 9001 is preferred.
• Team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with different functions at different levels.
• Result‑oriented and confident.
• Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP, IFS, etc.
• Controls and Instrumentation, Equipment Maintenance, Manufacturing Experience, Manufacturing Quality, Mechanical Inspection Tools, Tooling, Safety Management, Quality Focus, Power Tools, Judgment, Decision Making.

Equipment: PC, scanners, facsimile machine, voice mail and e‑mail systems; and common office machines or ability to be trained.

Software Knowledge:
Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); familiarity with HRIS systems is preferred.

Physical

Activities:

Sit at a desk for a long period of time; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; intermittently answer telephone; some walking and lifting up to 20 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

First and foremost a team player. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, featuring a diplomatic and direct style. Accountable, self‑motivated, results‑oriented, and capable of leading by example. A high energy level, entrepreneurial spirit, sense of urgency, and a strong focus on integrity.