Associate Director of Buying

Position Summary

Responsible for providing oversight and management to the Procurement team. This position will ensure the ERP maintains a high level of data integrity, enabling the Procurement team to accurately plan and support the Reagent and Instrument manufacturing build plans. It will manage the day‑to‑day procurement and demand planning activities by ensuring purchase orders and requisitions are created and expedited for raw materials, supplies, spare parts, and equipment.

It will also ensure change orders are approved and implemented, Non‑Conformance Report tasks are completed in a timely manner, and Return to Vendor tasks are generated promptly. The role will oversee contractual requirements negotiated by the Purchasing team to ensure agreements are met, including forecast creation, delivery, and last‑time buys. It will collaborate with internal departments — Purchasing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Manufacturing — to develop effective business strategies presented to all business partners as needed.

• Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of buyer/demand planners to meet the company’s objectives by ensuring on‑time deliveries, vendor management, SAP best practices, and supporting cost reductions.
• Manage and prioritize focus and effort on objectives set by the company and senior management in supply chain and procurement.
• Manage the review of ERP inputs and outputs in SAP for accuracy.
• Track, analyze, and strategically set inventory levels to ensure direct materials are available on time in full for production.
• Track and monitor inventory to ensure levels meet overall company requirements.
• Communicate anticipated material shortages to Manufacturing and Site Supply Chain and collaborate on a response plan to minimize supply impact and downtime in manufacturing.
• Assist with special projects as requested by Site Supply Chain leadership.
• Coordinate with Site Supply Chain Analyst to develop and track Procurement Key Performance Indicators.
• Oversee and approve purchase orders within approval limits; review and approve change orders for new and updated raw materials.
• Manage return‑to‑vendor product, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain and improve SAP procurement processes and workflows, ensuring effective use of ERP and reporting tools.
• Develop the procurement forecast and yearly budgets in collaboration with management.
• Ensure buyers fulfill contractual obligations and supplier agreements, including forecasts, last‑time buys, and performance metrics.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert in procurement, supporting both internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage Reagent, Instrument, and Spare Parts Procurement teams (~15 people directly and indirectly).
• May involve minimal travel within the U.S. or internationally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Operations Management
  • In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, 4 years of additional relevant experience as defined below will be accepted.
• 6 years of related experience in Supply Chain/Purchasing/Planning or Procurement, including demonstrated ability to lead others.
• 10+ years of related experience in Supply Chain/Purchasing/Planning or Procurement, including demonstrated ability to lead others.
• Electronic MRP/ERP experience required.
• SAP experience preferred.
• APICS and Lean Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in improving manufacturing planning and scheduling systems required.
• Experience with FDA audits and quality standards (ISO 13485, ISO 9001, 21 CFR part 820 preferred).

• Knowledge and application of procurement and purchasing best practices.
• Knowledge and application of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Proficiency in electronic ERP and MRP systems.
• Knowledge of FDA/ISO manufacturing environments and requirements.
• Strategic planning agility associated with high‑growth manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in reporting tools and knowledge of KPIs.
• Proficiency with…