Senior Buyer – Semiconductor & Electronics Supply Chain

Department: Supply Chain Management / Procurement

Reports To: Supply Chain Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: San Jose, California (Hybrid)

Work Schedule: Hybrid work arrangement; minimum 3 days per week in the office

Salary Range: $110,000 – $125,000 annually

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package offered in accordance with company policies

Position Summary

The Senior Buyer is responsible for leading procurement activities supporting our semiconductor packaging and electronics manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for driving sourcing strategies, managing critical supplier relationships, and ensuring continuity of supply while optimizing total cost of ownership.

Purchases services at the most favorable terms for the organization. Qualifies vendors, evaluates bids, and negotiates prices and terms for purchased goods and services. Tracks purchases, monitors vendor quality, and maintains a current database of vendor information. May be responsible for checking and guiding the work of lower-level buyers.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities for semiconductor packaging, electronics manufacturing, and related materials and services.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and commercial terms with suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and service objectives.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure continuity of supply and long-term business success.
• Evaluate supplier performance and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, shortages, and delivery issues.

Purchasing Operations

• Process purchase orders and consignment orders accurately and efficiently.
• Monitor open orders and supplier commitments to ensure on-time delivery.
• Manage expedites, reschedules, and supplier delivery exceptions.
• Resolve supplier invoicing and accounts payable discrepancies.
• Support product returns, corrective actions, and supplier recovery efforts.

Supply Chain Planning & Collaboration

• Collect, analyze, and communicate supplier delivery commitments.
• Create and share forecasts with key suppliers to support capacity planning and demand fulfillment.
• Monitor supplier capacity and proactively address constraints.
• Generate and maintain procurement reports, supplier scorecards, and forecast-versus-capacity analyses.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across Supply Chain, Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service functions.

Continuous Improvement

• Support strategic sourcing and supply chain initiatives that improve cost, quality, delivery performance, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in supplier business reviews, audits, and performance evaluations.
• Recommend process improvements and best practices within procurement operations.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.

Experience

• 6–8 years of progressive experience in Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Strategic Sourcing.
• Experience supporting semiconductor, electronics manufacturing, EMS, high-tech, or industrial manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Experience working with global suppliers and international supply chains is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of procurement, sourcing, inventory management, and supply chain principles.
• Proven ability to negotiate pricing, contracts, and supplier performance expectations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision making.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to influence suppliers and internal teams to achieve business objectives.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to quickly learn new systems and technologies.
• Experience working in a multicultural and global business environment.
• Japanese language skills are a plus but not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience sourcing semiconductor materials, electronic components, packaging materials, or manufacturing services.
• Knowledge of supplier performance metrics, scorecards, and supplier development programs.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and production ramp activities.
• APICS, CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or similar supply chain/procurement certifications are a plus.

Working Environment

• Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three days per week onsite in San Jose, CA.
• Frequent collaboration with global teams across multiple time zones, particularly in Asia.
• Occasional domestic and international travel for supplier visits, audits, business reviews, and training.