Commodity Buyer

Location: Northampton, MA (Hybrid – typically 1–2 days per month onsite)

Business: Malvern Panalytical

Compensation: 75-85k + Bonus

Malvern Panalytical is a global leader in analytical instrumentation, providing innovative solutions that enable scientists and engineers to characterize materials with confidence. Our technologies support highly regulated and precision‑driven industries, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, chemicals, and academia.

The Commodity Buyer manages the full procurement lifecycle for assigned commodities, supporting manufacturing through cost control, supplier performance, and continuity of supply. This role focuses on machined components, sheet metal, and plastics, with a strong emphasis on plastic machining. The position plays a key role in collaborating with Engineering and Manufacturing to drive cost‑effective sourcing decisions.

• Manage the end‑to‑end procurement lifecycle for assigned commodities, including supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and ongoing supplier management.
• Lead value analysis and cost‑reduction initiatives in partnership with Engineering and Manufacturing, identifying opportunities to reduce total cost while maintaining quality, performance, and reliability.
• Collaborate with Engineering to review technical drawings, specifications, and designs, supporting design‑to‑cost, manufacturability improvements, and alternative sourcing recommendations.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings, including improvements in purchase price variance (PPV).
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including regular communication, performance reviews, and supplier site visits.
• Support sourcing and supplier engagement for new product introductions, engineering changes, and production transitions.
• Work collaboratively within a small procurement team, providing backup support and contributing to shared objectives as needed.

• 3–4 years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience sourcing machined components, sheet metal, and plastics, with a strong emphasis on machined plastic components.
• Ability to read, understand, and discuss technical drawings and prints.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and supporting cost‑saving initiatives.

• Mechanical or technical background.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field (a plus, not required).
• Experience participating in value analysis, cost‑reduction, or design‑to‑cost activities.
• Exposure to low‑volume, high‑mix manufacturing environments.

• Hybrid role with flexibility; initial on‑site presence at the Northampton location is expected to build familiarity with products, processes, and team members.
• Ongoing on‑site presence may average 1–2 days per month, dependent on business needs.
• Occasional travel to supplier sites within Massachusetts and the New England region.

Malvern Panalytical, Micromeritics & Sci Aps, part of the Spectris Group, are committed to a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and achieve a fulfilling career. We encourage applications from underrepresented individuals and people with diverse backgrounds. Although we always select the most qualified applicant for each role and make all decisions without regard to race, sex, age, or any other protected class, we are an inclusive, equal opportunity organization that prizes diversity.

Your unique perspective is important to us.