Buyer

MP Materials•Mountain Pass, CA

10h•$72,000 - $99,000

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and services in support of Mountain Pass Operations and Projects. The role assists operations, maintenance, and engineering departments in evaluating goods and services, meeting internal customer expectations, and addressing supply-chain bottlenecks. It serves as a subject-matter resource for standard supply-chain concepts, practices, and procedures, using experience and judgment to plan and accomplish work. The position calls for problem-solving, attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. The Buyer manages suppliers, analyzes markets and costs, collaborates across departments, and incorporates sustainability considerations into procurement decisions. The role uses SAP and other procurement tools, supports compliance and risk management, negotiates contracts, and drives continuous improvement. It supports Mountain Pass mining and processing operations, where employees may encounter outdoor and plant hazards and must follow safety procedures and use required PPE.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred, or 4 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
Foundation in Procure-to-Pay (P2P) principles and processes.
Experience with SAP and procurement processes for procurement, inventory management, and data analysis.
Ability to analyze procurement costs, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.
Proficiency in data analysis and procurement software and tools to make data-driven decisions, manage the P2P cycle, and track key performance indicators.
Supplier relationship skills, including negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic collaboration.
Ability to identify and mitigate supply-chain risks, including transportation disruptions, geopolitical events, and natural disasters.
Strong contract negotiation skills, including negotiating pricing, delivery schedules, and quality standards.
Ability to manage procurement projects from initiation to completion.
Ability to work safely in the described mine, manufacturing, or chemical plant environment and comply with PPE requirements.
Must pass a full-face respiratory fit test, be able to work in PPE level C, and lift 50 lbs.
Ability to perform the stated physical demands, including standing, handling or manipulating equipment, and occasionally walking, reaching, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

Nice To Haves

Experience at an industrial, mining, or petrochemical processing facility is highly preferred.
Awareness of the rare earth market, including supply and demand dynamics, commodity trends, and geopolitical factors affecting the industry.
Familiarity with challenges and regulations associated with mining and processing operations, including environmental considerations and sustainability practices.

Responsibilities

Identify, assess, and engage potential suppliers; maintain supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms and conditions.
Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and geopolitical factors affecting the rare earth supply chain, and address potential disruptions.
Reduce procurement costs through negotiation, supplier evaluation, and cost analysis; identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities.
Collaborate with production, engineering, finance, and other departments to align procurement strategies with company goals and requirements.
Consider sustainability and environmental factors in procurement decisions and support responsible mining.
Use procurement and supply-chain technology, including SAP, to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, and support decision-making.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, ethical standards, and anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies.
Identify and mitigate supply-chain risks, including geopolitical and environmental risks.
Drive continuous improvement in procurement to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve supply-chain effectiveness.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Follow company, industry, and regulatory safety procedures and laws; promote workplace safety and participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.