Senior Buyer – Strategic Sourcing

TrellisWare Technologies•San Diego, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

TrellisWare is a worldwide leader in advanced wireless communications systems and is seeking an on-site Senior Buyer – Strategic Sourcing. This role is responsible for sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and procurement execution for critical electronics and ruggedized hardware. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in electronics, defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments and can operate at both strategic and tactical levels. This position involves leading sourcing and supplier management for technically complex commodities, collaborating with engineering, operations, quality, finance, and program teams to ensure supply continuity and improve supplier performance. Team members are expected to enhance cohesiveness, maintain team morale, and pursue self-improvement and talent development, directly impacting TrellisWare's deliverables and core values.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
7–10 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain roles within electronics, defense, aerospace, or similar advanced manufacturing environments.
Proven experience sourcing technical, custom, or engineered products and components.
Strong experience in supplier negotiations, supplier relationship management, supplier development, and supplier performance tracking.
Experience working with supplier KPIs, scorecards, and performance improvement initiatives.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience translating large data sets and procurement analytics into business insights and action.
Demonstrated success supporting multiple internal and external stakeholders, with strong attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and the ability to balance strategic sourcing initiatives with day-to-day execution.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems used to manage procurement plans, transactions, and material activity.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint, with advanced Excel skills required.
Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong collaborative drive and interpersonal skills.
Strong initiative, proactive work ethic and prioritization skills.
Effective execution and decision making.
Champion of change and promotes innovation.
U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
Ability to obtain a security clearance may be required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or related field.
APICS CPIM, CPSM, CPM, or similar professional certification.
Experience in an electronics CM or OEM environment.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic sourcing activities for specialized commodities such as Printed Circuit board components, custom CNC-Machined parts, RF antennas, radio battery packs, ruggedized custom cables, and other technical or engineered components.
Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with business needs, program requirements, production schedules, and long-term supply chain objectives.
Build, manage, and strengthen supplier relationships to ensure high performance in quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and compliance.
Negotiate pricing, lead times, commercial terms, and supply agreements in support of company objectives and procurement best practices.
Monitor market trends, supplier conditions, capacity constraints, and material risks to proactively identify issues and develop mitigation plans.
Evaluate current and prospective suppliers, including supplier capability, cost structure, performance history, and strategic fit.
Drive supplier performance management through KPIs, scorecards, reviews, and corrective action follow-up.
Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, value improvement, risk mitigation, and alternate sourcing.
Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, planning, quality, finance, and project teams to support production, development, and changing business priorities.
Prepare and execute purchase orders in alignment with negotiated terms, planning requirements, and organizational goals.
Resolve supplier issues related to pricing, quality, delivery, invoicing, and overall performance with urgency and sound judgment.
Translate procurement, supplier, and market data into actionable insights and recommendations for internal stakeholders.
Support a collaborative team environment built on trust, accountability, continuous improvement, and respect.
Performs other duties as assigned.