Senior Buyer

Persimmon Technologies is seeking a Senior Buyer to join our Supply Chain organization. This role ensures uninterrupted material supply to support manufacturing operations and customer commitments, combining strategic supplier management with tactical procurement execution in a fast-paced semiconductor capital equipment environment.

About the role

As a key member of the Supply Chain team, you will manage a portfolio of critical suppliers and commodities while partnering cross-functionally to support business growth. You will be responsible for improving key supply chain metrics, including Can Build, Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD), Material Availability, Inventory Turns, Cost Savings, Supplier Quality Performance, Lead Time Reduction, and Excess and Obsolete Inventory Reduction.

Reports to: Senior Supply Chain Manager

Responsibilities

• Review MRP planning recommendations and execute purchasing activities for assigned commodities and suppliers.
• Manage purchase order placement, acknowledgments, expedites, pushouts, cancellations, and delivery commitments.
• Monitor material shortages and proactively eliminate supply risks that could impact production schedules or customer deliveries.
• Manage inventory levels to support operational requirements while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Ensure accurate supplier lead times, pricing, and planning parameters are maintained within the ERP system.
• Own supplier relationships for assigned commodities and strategic suppliers.
• Serve as the primary organizer and facilitator of Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), preparing performance metrics, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders, and driving supplier action plans.
• Escalate supply and quality issues as required to ensure timely resolution.
• Evaluate supplier capacity, financial health, and operational risks to prevent potential disruptions.
• Develop and execute sourcing and supply continuity strategies for critical materials.
• Partner with Commodity Managers to identify cost reduction, dual-source, and supplier development opportunities.
• Support supplier selection activities, RFQs, sourcing decisions, and supplier qualification efforts.
• Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) activities to ensure supply readiness and cost-effective sourcing.
• Lead projects focused on inventory optimization, lead-time reduction, supplier consolidation, and material flow improvements.
• Work closely with Planning, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to support production and customer requirements.
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) by coordinating material transitions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Supplier Quality on discrepant material resolution, corrective actions, rework, and replacement activities.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics.
• Analyze demand forecasts and supplier capacity to ensure future material availability.
• Conduct supplier visits and audits as required.
• Mentor and provide guidance to Buyers and Supply Chain team members as needed.

Requirements

• 7-10+ years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or materials management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting semiconductor equipment, robotics, medical device, aerospace, industrial automation, or other high-technology manufacturing industries preferred.
• Proven track record managing strategic suppliers and resolving complex supply chain challenges.
• Experience negotiating pricing, lead times, and supply agreements preferred.
• Experience leading supplier improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems (preferably Epicor).
• Experience procuring precision machined components, sheet metal fabrications, electromechanical assemblies, motors and motion control components, cable assemblies, vacuum-compatible components, and electronics/PCBA.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities, including evaluating supplier capacity, financial health, and operational risk.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and strong ability to analyze data, manage material flow processes (e.g., Kanban, bulk issue), and make decisions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated expertise in procurement, planning, and inventory control.
• Approximately 20-25% travel to domestic and international supplier locations.
• Ability to work effectively with global suppliers across multiple time zones.
• Work is primarily sedentary but may require standing, walking, bending, grasping, and lifting/moving up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Supply Chain or related field preferred.

Employment for this position is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization now or in the future.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision).
• Generous paid time off.
• 100% company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• 100% company-paid Basic life and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) plan with 5% company matching.
• Commitment to professional development and career advancement.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000 per year. The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, job-related knowledge, internal equity, and geographical location.