At ichor, procurement and material delivery is at the heart of what we do. Our global supply chain team is investing in people, processes and technology and seeking to hire a highly motivated senior buyer – supplier management.
as a
senior buyer - supplier management, you will play a key role in managing supplier relationships, optimizing procurement processes, and ensuring material availability through strategic sourcing initiatives. This role requires a strong background in supplier management, contract negotiation, inventory optimization, and project management while demonstrating leadership potential for future growth. A strong understanding of industrial manufacturing, particularly in metal machining, is essential to effectively support production and supplier development efforts.
roles & responsibilities supplier management & relationship building: develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure alignment with company objectives. Conduct supplier performance evaluations and implement corrective actions as needed. Lead supplier business reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Manage and oversee outside processing & tooling suppliers, ensuring quality, capacity, and on-time delivery. Develop supplier capabilities, assessing and implementing process improvements to enhance supplier performance. Inventory & procurement strategy: oversee and manage supplier kanban and vendor-managed inventory (vmi) programs to optimize inventory levels and reduce stockouts. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to implement lean inventory strategies and just-in-time (jit) principles. Monitor demand forecasts and adjust procurement strategies accordingly. Contract negotiation & administration: negotiate supplier contracts, pricing agreements, and service level expectations. Ensure contract compliance and mitigate risks through effective contract administration. Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives with suppliers. Stakeholder & cross-functional alignment: collaborate with internal stakeholders, including operations, planning, and finance teams, to align supply chain strategies with business objectives. Address and manage demanding stakeholder needs while balancing cost, quality, and delivery requirements. Communicate supply risks and develop mitigation strategies with key stakeholders. Work closely with demand planners and engineering teams to forecast procurement decisions and align supply strategies with product development and production schedules. Project management & industrial manufacturing expertise: lead cross-functional projects focused on supplier transitions, cost reductions, and supply chain improvements. Apply project management methodologies to ensure supplier-related initiatives are executed on time and within budget. Strong understanding of industrial manufacturing, with an emphasis on metal machining, including tooling. Support new product introduction (npi) efforts by aligning suppliers with engineering and production requirements. Analytical & planning expertise: utilize complex quantitative analysis to support material planning and decision-making. Work closely with demand planners and engineering teams to ensure accurate forecasting and procurement decisions. Leverage data-driven insights to optimize supplier performance and reduce total cost of ownership. Leadership & professional development: demonstrate leadership capabilities by leading & mentoring junior buyers and influencing procurement strategies. Actively participate in process improvement initiatives and company-wide cost-saving programs. Exhibit a strategic mindset and high potential for advancement into leadership roles within procurement and supply chain management.
qualifications & skills: bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in procurement, supplier management, or supply chain operations. Expertise in kanban, vmi, and lean manufacturing principles. Strong contract negotiation, vendor management, and sourcing skills. Project management experience, with the ability to lead supplier-related initiatives. Deep understanding of industrial manufacturing, particularly in metal machining, tooling, and precision manufacturing. Ability to conduct complex data analysis for planning and decision-making. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Experience with erp/mrp systems (sap, oracle, or equivalent). Apics, ism, pmp, or similar supply chain/project management certification is a plus. Fluent in oral and written english and spanish