Senior Buyer in Charlotte, North Carolina at Assembly Technologies Inc

Position Summary

Assembly Technologies is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead procurement activities supporting our fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for sourcing electronic components, leading and managing a team of junior buyers, managing supplier relationships, negotiating pricing and lead times, supporting customer-specific requirements, and ensuring material availability for production.

The ideal candidate thrives in a lean organization, is highly proactive, and can balance strategic sourcing responsibilities with daily tactical execution. This role requires strong knowledge of electronic components, supply chain management, inventory control, and supplier performance management.

Role & Responsibilities:

Procurement & Material Management

• Lead and develop offshore team of junior buyers

• Purchase electronic components, PCB-related materials, hardware, and indirect supplies to support customer demand and production schedules.

• Review and execute MRP recommendations while managing exceptions, shortages, and demand fluctuations.

• Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels and recommend actions to minimize excess and obsolete inventory while maintaining material availability.

• Manage supplier lead times and proactively address potential supply disruptions.

Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and maintain relationships with authorized distributors, manufacturers, and strategic suppliers.

• Solicit quotations, analyze pricing, and negotiate favorable commercial terms.

• Identify alternate sources for constrained or obsolete components.

• Support cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, alternate sourcing, and value engineering opportunities.

EMS & Customer Support

• Review customer Bills of Materials (BOMs) and identify sourcing risks prior to production.

• Work closely with Program Management, Engineering, and Production teams to support new product introductions and customer projects.

• Provide component market intelligence related to lead times, availability, lifecycle status, and pricing trends.

• Assist in quoting activities by obtaining supplier pricing and availability information.

Supplier Management

• Measure and monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.

• Resolve supplier issues and drive corrective actions when necessary.

• Conduct periodic supplier reviews and maintain approved supplier relationships.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP and inventory systems.

• Support cycle counting, inventory accuracy initiatives, and audit requirements.

• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on inventory management, procurement processes, and working capital optimization.

• Develop and document standard procurement procedures consistent with lean manufacturing principles.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in electronics manufacturing, EMS, PCB assembly, or related industries.

• Strong understanding of electronic components including semiconductors, passives, connectors, electromechanical components, and PCB materials.

• Experience purchasing from major electronics distributors and manufacturers.

• Demonstrated success managing shortages, long lead-time components, and supply chain disruptions.

• Experience using ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Experience

• EMS industry experience strongly preferred.

• Experience with customer-owned and company-owned inventory models.

• Knowledge of component lifecycle management and counterfeit avoidance practices.

• APICS/ASCM, CPSM, or related supply chain certification.

Skills

• Strong negotiation and supplier management abilities.

• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.

• Excellent organizational and prioritization capabilities.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong communication skills and customer-focused mindset.

• Analytical problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

• Comfortable operating in a lean, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Material availability to production

• Supplier on-time delivery performance

• Inventory turns

• Excess and obsolete inventory reduction

• Annual procurement cost savings

• Shortage resolution cycle time

• Quote response turnaround time

• Purchase price variance (PPV)

• Supplier quality performance

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, the successful candidate will:

• Production interruptions due to material shortages are minimized

• Offshore procurement team operates efficiently with clear accountability.

• Establish strong relationships with key suppliers and distributors.

• Improve visibility and management of material shortages.

• Reduce excess and obsolete inventory exposure.

• Improve supplier delivery performance and responsiveness.

• Support profitable growth through effective sourcing and cost management.

• Balance optimal inventory levels

• Become a trusted partner to Operations, Engineering, and Customer Program teams.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, performance incentives, healthcare benefits, paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth within a growing EMS organization.