Sr. Buyer

Novanta Inc.•Apex, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the Robotics & Automation business unit within Novanta. ATI is the world-leading engineering-based developer of robotic accessories and robot arm tooling, including Automatic Tool Changers, Multi-Axis Force/Torque Sensing Systems, Utility Couplers, Material Removal Tools, Robotic Collision Sensors, Manual Tool Changers, and Compliance Devices. Our robot end-effector products are found in thousands of successful applications around the world. Since 1989, our team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers has been developing cost-effective, state-of-the-art end-effector products and solutions that improve robotic productivity. Reporting directly to the Supply Chain Manager and tactically to an ATI Commodity Manager, you will be responsible for the sourcing and procurement of components, materials and related services required by a world leading, innovative robotics components company.

Requirements

Five (5)+ years of purchasing/supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
BS/BA degree in a business or technical field.
Hands-on experience with an ERP system.
Ability to drive cost reduction projects to achieve consistent PPV and overall material spend reductions.
Proven ability to ensure material availability, while reducing inventory and increasing inventory turns.
Systematic approach to analyzing and reducing the supply base to achieve maximize EOQ purchasing for cost effectiveness.
Strong negotiation and excellent interpersonal skills.
Team player with strong computer, written, verbal and skills.
Ability to multitask and manage changing business conditions is essential.

Nice To Haves

APICS certification desirable.
Previous experience highly preferred in sourcing/procuring Printed Circuit Boards and components, as this will be the initial focus for this position.
Working experience in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma environments.
International purchasing experience a plus.
Previous experience with SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning) process preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the processing of purchase orders from information provided by internal customers and from the MRP planning system for assigned commodities from a qualified supplier base in a cost-effective manner consistent with the company's processes and procedures.
Solicit bids, analyze quotations, select or recommend suppliers, and negotiate purchase agreements in concert with the highest quality at the lowest total cost.
Assist in the review of engineering drawings/specifications and solicit recommendations from suppliers that will provide reduced lead times, lower cost and product improvements.
Work with suppliers (including contract manufacturers) and materials planning organization to establish and implement purchase agreements and processes that support the reduction of lead times, on time deliveries, the prevention of excess inventories, and increased inventory turns.
Demonstrate routine questioning of the status quo and taking ownership of any supply situation that is not optimum.
Identify and remain current with long-term trends in material supply and pricing.
Continue to research and develop sources of supply for assigned commodities with a continuous improvement approach to achieve 100% on-time delivery and quality.
Support sourcing initiatives collaborating with the Commodity Manager and the Quality team.
Conduct meetings with current suppliers and potential new suppliers to actively investigate internal capabilities in providing goods and services in accordance with our requirements and specifications. Discuss/review with current suppliers their performances in delivery and quality. In addition, these meetings should include, but not be limited to, discussions concerning the suppliers’ current production capabilities, quality systems in place, in house engineering, and their financial status.
Provide potential strategy and recovery plans for any part shortages and work closely with other teams to ensure delivery to customer expectations.
Maintain compliance with the quality, ethics, occupational safety and environmental regulations.
Implementation of the instructions of the quality / environmental management representative and the occupational safety specialist.