Senior Buyer

D-Wave•New Haven, CT

26d•$89,000 - $134,000•Onsite

About The Position

D-Wave is seeking a Senior Buyer to join our Supply Chain team. In this role, you will support and collaborate with our R&D Engineering and Production teams to ensure they have the materials needed to build and improve our leading-edge quantum computers. You'll work with a passionate, innovative team developing technology that is transforming how complex problems are solved.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
5–8 plus years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or strategic sourcing experience, preferably within high-tech, electronics, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or complex manufacturing environments
Demonstrated experience independently managing suppliers and procurement activities
Strong negotiation and commercial decision-making skills demonstrated success in supplier negotiations and cost reduction
Experience sourcing technical components, mechanical/electrical assemblies, electronics, capital equipment, or specialized manufacturing services
Strong understanding of supplier selection, qualification, performance management, and supply risk mitigation
Experience supporting Engineering, NPI, prototype builds, and production environments
Ability to interpret BOMs, technical specifications, drawings, and engineering requirements
Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate pricing, supplier proposals, lead times, and total cost
Experience working with ERP/MRP systems; NetSuite experience is an asset
Strong Microsoft Excel and data-analysis skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently, take ownership, and make sound procurement decisions with limited day-to-day supervision

Nice To Haves

NetSuite experience is an asset

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end procurement activities for assigned commodities, components, equipment, and services
Develop and execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, lead time, technical requirements, and supply continuity
Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop new suppliers, including building and expanding D-Wave's U.S. supplier network
Lead RFQ/RFP activities, supplier evaluations, bid analysis, and commercial negotiations
Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, minimum order quantities, delivery schedules, and other commercial terms
Identify and execute cost-reduction and cost-avoidance opportunities while maintaining quality and supply continuity
Support make/buy and sourcing decisions through market research, supplier analysis, and total-cost-of-ownership considerations
Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships and serve as a primary commercial point of contact for assigned suppliers
Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and overall business performance
Proactively identify supply risks, material shortages, capacity constraints, and long-lead-time issues and develop appropriate mitigation plans
Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve delivery, quality, pricing, and commercial issues
Support supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
Develop alternate and second-source strategies for critical components where appropriate
Partner closely with Engineering and Production teams to support prototype builds, NPI activities, production requirements, and engineering changes
Review BOMs, drawings, specifications, and material requirements to identify sourcing risks and procurement requirements
Work proactively with Engineering to identify supplier capabilities, alternative materials, and sourcing options during the design and development process
Support ECO/ECR implementation and ensure purchasing requirements are updated appropriately
Respond to urgent production requirements and material shortages while balancing immediate needs with long-term supply strategy
Manage purchase orders from requisition through delivery, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and commercial terms
Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier information within D-Wave's ERP system
Monitor open purchase orders, supplier commitments, and material availability to support production and project schedules
Collaborate with Planning, Inventory, Receiving, Finance, and Quality to resolve supply chain issues
Support inventory optimization and minimize excess, obsolete, and slow-moving material where possible
Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, supplier management practices, reporting, and data quality