Senior Purchasing Manager

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive, and clean technology sectors. The Fremont facility specializes in low-to-mid volume production, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Design for Manufacturability (DFM), offering comprehensive, high-tolerance capabilities from small parts to fully integrated and tested systems.

About the role

The Senior Purchasing Manager is a high-visibility leadership role designed for a strategic procurement professional looking to own the end-to-end supply chain for a major facility launch. You will architect supply chain workflows for a high-complexity industrial environment, driving strategic department leadership and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute procurement protocols and vendor onboarding processes for a new facility managing a high volume of unique, technical components and specialty raw materials.
• Direct and mentor a core team of 2–4 Buyers, establishing KPIs and a culture of proactive supply chain management.
• Execute procurement activities based on sourcing decisions made by the Global Strategic Sourcing team. Manage specialized sourcing of customer-mandated "buy items" alongside a complex portfolio of OEM parts and custom-fabricated components.
• Oversee the procurement of high-spec raw materials (metals, chemicals, and specialized fluids) ensuring technical compliance and continuity of supply.
• Utilize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models to drive sourcing decisions beyond just the initial price point, accounting for logistics, quality, and lead times.
• Maintain and manage relationships with suppliers—including international vendors—to ensure strict adherence to quality standards, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels in close coordination with planning and suppliers to ensure inventory turns match operational targets, particularly for long-lead-time items.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and manage weekly supply buys. Actively track and manage Purchase Price Variance (PPV) to ensure favorable financial outcomes.
• Coordinate closely with the global commodity team to synchronize the arrival of precision-engineered components with raw material availability and production schedules.
• Protect plant profitability through aggressive lead-time management and sophisticated pricing negotiations with technical vendors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required.
• 6–8+ years of progressive experience in industrial procurement, specifically within heavy manufacturing.
• Experience in heavy industrial manufacturing, complex assembly, or precision-engineered equipment is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in Oracle or SAP is highly preferred. Candidates must understand how to leverage Tier-1 ERP systems to manage complex data.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and navigate complex Bills of Materials (BOMs) to effectively negotiate with custom fabrication and OEM vendors.
• This is an ITAR facility; applicant must be a U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Qualifications

• Certifications such as CPSM or CSCP are a strong plus.

Pay

Salary Range (annual): $120,000 - $175,000. Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program (depending on the role)
• Tuition Reimbursement program