Buyer/Inventory Planner

Liquid Robotics, a Boeing Company

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Liquid Robotics Supply Chain is seeking a Senior-Level Buyer and Inventory Planner to join us in the development of autonomous ocean robots. As part of our small but highly-motivated and fun team, you will participate in all aspects of the procurement and planning process that contributes to world-changing products. The successful candidate will bring extensive strategic procurement and planning experience with skills in balancing appropriate stock levels and forecasting. This position requires a highly motivated individual with a self-starter attitude and the ability to work cross-functionally with suppliers, team members and internal customers. The position requires some guidance to lower level staff. Strong communication skills and making sure LR’s Supply Chain processes stay compliant are a must. This position is based in the Potomac Region, although strong candidates will be considered for a hybrid work arrangement with regular travel required. Liquid Robotics designs and manufactures Wave Gliders®, the world’s first wave and solar powered autonomous ocean robots. With partners, they address challenges facing defense, Oil & Gas, commercial and science customers by making ocean data collections and communications easier safer and in real-time. Liquid Robotics was acquired by Boeing in December of 2016 and operates as an independent non-integrated subsidiary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in operations, supply chain management, or related field with technical knowledge in machine parts and PCBA’s.
Highly analytical mindset and must work under general direction with minimal supervision on self-directed objectives and assignments to drive department objectives.
6 years or more of relevant experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, purchasing & vendor management in a manufacturing environment.
Materials program management experience including defining, scheduling, tracking, communicating status, prioritizing through self-guided schedules and activities.
Experience in electronics and machine parts purchasing
Strong negotiation skills and experience with NPI (New Production Introduction) processes
Must be familiar with market trends and identify suppliers based on market trends
Excellent communication skills, planning skills, problem solving skills, attention to detail
Microsoft Office Suite
Deep level of procurement law and advanced purchasing techniques
Must be able to self-manage and balance multiple efforts as assigned by the Head of Supply Chain. Proactive problem solving, reporting and work approach.
U.S. Person required

Nice To Haves

Experience in a lean startup environment is preferred
Experience working with Jira, Arena PLM, NetSuite MRP is a plus
Creative self-starter to recommend outside-the-box and innovative process improvements
Experience with FAR and DFAR is a plus

Responsibilities

Procure hardware components such as PCBA, machine parts and cables during the early product development phase and through production based on MRP (Material Requirement Planning) from ERP system
Qualify suppliers based on technical capability, quality control, capacity, and manufacturing expertise and compliance. Maintain and update ASL (Approved Supplier List). Manage the PIA process (Proprietary Information Agreements)
Collaborate with LR Contracts, Compliance and Boeing counterparts to assure LR’s continuous compliance. Assists in negotiating supplier terms and conditions (TC’s).
Responsible for monitoring, expediting, tracking and reporting on all company and production Po’s and RMA’s.
Establish and cultivate relationships with local and international vendors and contract manufacturer
Manage incoming material ensuring proper disposition of received material and manage adequate inventory levels.
Coordinate with the R&D team as they develop next generation products. Find solutions to variety of complex problems related to the procurement cycle.
Source and order parts and assemblies to support development work and launch schedule.
Own the transfer of new products from design to production.
Drive lead time, safety stock and cost reduction in all projects
Support Engineering change order (ECO) functions and ensure proper implementation and disposition of impacted materials
Manage consigned builds, partially consigned builds, turnkey builds, and sometimes assist with kitting materials
Responsible to help with wall to wall physical count and drive resolution for discrepancies to assure accurate inventory counts (above 95%)
Create purchasing reports for management review. Lead the SOLR PO Process.
Manage cut-in dates of new materials based on consumption of old materials
Manage all invoices for credit card purchases and work closely with finance team monthly to resolve any open issues
Support the quarterly PPV (Purchase Price Variant) process and assist Finance establish the correct standard cost
Partner with BD (Business Development) on forecasting demand
Maintain annual Supplier Scorecards and implement corrective action as required. Participate in NCR (Non-Conformance Report) meetings and open and manage NCR Jira Tickets as needed.
Perform QMS (Quality Management System) tasks as assigned and create Work instructions and SOP’s.
Perform other job duties as assigned.
Acts as a lead buyer to the buying team, sharing expertise and experience of best procurement practices with team and providing guidance on team assignments, projects and reporting, self-directed or assigned by Management.