Sr. Buyer (Automation)

About the role

Symbotic is actively seeking a highly motivated Senior Buyer (Automation) to join our Supply Chain team. The ideal candidate will possess strong tactical skills, analytical abilities and collaborative strengths suited for a dynamic, high-growth environment. Proven expertise in sourcing best practices, a proactive approach, and a track record of optimizing supply bases are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for electronic components and automation controls, ensuring engineering and quality standards are met.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Planning, and others to understand project requirements and generate Purchase Orders (PO) efficiently within SAP, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains and negotiate favorable terms.
• Negotiate and implement supplier changes that minimize cost, schedule, and operational disruption while protecting program requirements.
• Review and analyze data to determine cost saving opportunities through vendor consolidation, market analysis, right scope with right supplier; with focus on cost initiatives with suppliers.
• Deliver real-time material status visibility, escalate risks, and drive rapid issue resolution across internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze and solve purchasing problems with other departments (Accounting, Receiving, Production Planning, Product Development, etc.) such as conformance to quality or design requirements, material scheduling, receiving, and price disputes).
• Liaison between engineering, delivery management, and suppliers to facilitate issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
• Identifies areas of risk for the business (i.e. delivery, quality, cost, performance, etc.) and makes recommendations for mitigating risk.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing or Procurement, with detailed experience using ERP systems (SAP strongly preferred).
• Strong proficiency in ERP (SAP) for PR/PO generation, procurement modules, and planning tools.
• Knowledge of conveyor technologies (belt, roller, hybrid systems) and system-level integration considerations.
• Understanding of lift systems, electrical panels, and robotic automation solutions within engineered systems.
• Experience with order management, procurement timelines, and managing engineering changes.
• Excellent supplier management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and develop processes or workflows where not defined.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills preferred; additional experience with PLM (Siemens Teamcenter), Microsoft SharePoint, Smartsheet, and Visio is a plus.
• Experience with commodities such as Construction Management, Automation Installation, Conveyors, Lifts, Robotics, Automation Controls, or Material Handling Systems, including familiarity with related supply bases, is preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in sourcing best practices, a proactive approach, and a track record of optimizing supply bases are essential.
• Knowledge of electrical components, automation controls, robotics, warehousing, and Material Handling Systems is highly desirable.

Skills

• Strategic Sourcing or Procurement experience.
• ERP (SAP) proficiency.
• Supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Project management and organizational skills.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• PLM (Siemens Teamcenter), Microsoft SharePoint, Smartsheet, and Visio experience.
• Commodities experience (Construction Management, Automation Installation, Conveyors, Lifts, Robotics, Automation Controls, or Material Handling Systems).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.

Pay

The base range for this position in the posted location is $87,000.00 - $119,900.00 however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Schedule

Up to 10% of travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to supplier, client, or other customer locations.