Senior Buyer

Job description

**Position Overview:** The Senior Buyer owns strategic and tactical procurement for critical materials and services supporting production of Velo3D's Sapphire metal additive manufacturing systems. Operating in a high-mix, low-volume capital equipment environment, this role goes well beyond PO execution: you will develop commodity strategies, lead supplier negotiations, drive cost and risk reduction, and partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Quality. The ideal candidate is analytical, self-directed, and comfortable making decisions with incomplete information in a fast-paced, growth-stage company where individual ownership has visible impact. ### Responsibilities - Own end-to-end procurement for assigned commodities, including precision machined components, electromechanical assemblies, optics/lasers, sheet metal, weldments, and metal powders supporting production of Velo3D Sapphire metal additive manufacturing systems - Manage approximately [$X–XM] in annual spend across assigned commodity categories - Lead complex supplier negotiations focused on cost, lead time, quality, payment terms, and risk reduction; negotiate and administer long-term agreements (LTAs), MSAs, and NDAs - Develop and execute commodity sourcing strategies, including dual/second-source qualification and supply base rationalization - Perform should-cost analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling to drive fact-based negotiations - Drive cost-reduction and value-engineering initiatives in partnership with Engineering and Operations - Serve as escalation point for supplier performance, delivery issues, and quality concerns; lead corrective action and continuous improvement efforts using supplier scorecards - Ensure materials availability to support production plans in a high-mix, low-volume capital equipment environment while optimizing inventory investment - Maintain and improve purchasing data integrity in [ERP system] (pricing, lead times, MOQs, safety stock parameters) - Support make/buy decisions and new product introduction (NPI) sourcing activities - Conduct supplier site visits, business reviews, and audits as needed. Travel to our Fremont, CA office regularly, up to 10% travel. - Ensure sourcing activities comply with export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) where applicable - Mentor junior buyers and planners; contribute to supply chain policies, controls, and process improvements ### Qualifications Required: - 5–8+ years of progressive procurement or strategic buying experience in a manufacturing environment - Proven track record leading supplier negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships, including contract negotiation (LTAs, MSAs) - Strong understanding of supply chain risk management, inventory economics, and cost structures; experience with should-cost or TCO analysis - Advanced proficiency in ERP/MRP systems ([name system]) and Excel, including data analysis and scenario modeling - Ability to operate autonomously, prioritize in a fast-paced environment, and make sound decisions with incomplete information - Strong communication, influencing, and cross-functional stakeholder management skills Preferred: - Experience in high-mix, low-volume, capital equipment, or regulated manufacturing (aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical) - Experience managing suppliers within AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems - APICS (CPIM/CSCP), CPSM, or equivalent certification - Experience supporting NPI and rapid production ramp-up - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience