Buyer/Planner - Components

About Supermicro

Supermicro® is a top‑tier provider of advanced server, storage, and networking solutions for data center, cloud computing, enterprise IT, Hadoop/Big Data, hyperscale, HPC, and IoT/embedded customers worldwide. The company is the #5 fastest‑growing firm among the Silicon Valley Top 50 technology firms and is expanding globally, creating many new positions for engineers, technologists, and business leaders.

Job Summary

Drive supply chain efficiency by leveraging procurement and planning expertise to maintain a stable, efficient supply chain that meets customer demand. Support innovation and product development by working closely with product management and engineering to secure key components for advanced technology solutions. Optimize inventory and vendor relations, lead strategic sourcing initiatives, and drive cost‑reduction programs through negotiations, alternative sourcing, value engineering, and supplier performance improvements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Procurement & Vendor Management
  • Collaborate with product management and engineering teams to support new product development (NPI).
  • Manage procurement processes to ensure timely acquisition of high‑quality materials and components.
  • Source, evaluate, and negotiate with vendors—especially in Asia—to obtain competitive pricing and terms.
  • Analyze supplier quotations against product specifications and market conditions.
  • Conduct supplier business reviews and maintain strong strategic supplier relationships.
  • Develop alternate and secondary supplier options to strengthen supply‑chain resilience.
  • Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and industry developments to proactively address supply challenges.
• Supply Chain Planning & Inventory Management
  • Plan and monitor inventory levels to align with customer requirements and company targets.
  • Develop and implement strategies for managing long lead‑time and unique components.
  • Prepare and analyze inventory and aging reports to optimize supply‑chain efficiency.
  • Support demand planning and forecast reviews with suppliers to ensure adequate supply capacity.
  • Monitor supplier lead times, production capacity, and delivery commitments to minimize disruptions.
• Process Improvement & Strategic Planning
  • Identify opportunities to improve procurement accuracy and streamline supply‑chain processes.
  • Implement best practices to optimize resource utilization and achieve cost savings.
  • Support cross‑functional teams in forecasting, demand planning, and risk mitigation.
  • Lead supplier cost‑reduction initiatives through commercial negotiations, alternative sourcing, and value engineering.
  • Develop sourcing risk‑mitigation plans for sole‑source and long lead‑time components.
  • Track and report sourcing KPIs, including cost savings, supplier performance, on‑time delivery, and sourcing cycle time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Materials Management, Manufacturing, or a related discipline (preferred).
• 2–4 years of experience in materials management, procurement, or supply‑chain operations.
• Strong ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, managing multiple priorities with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in vendor negotiations, particularly with suppliers in Asia.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with a problem‑solving mindset.
• Proficiency in ERP applications and Microsoft Office tools such as SAP, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Pay

Salary range: $85,000 – $100,000, dependent on location, level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience, and internal comparisons.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package plus eligibility for additional compensation through bonus and equity award programs.