Senior Buyer, Supply Chain

Overview

Brain Corp is a San Diego, California, USA-based AI company creating transformative core technology for the robotics industry. Our purpose is to create autonomous technology that helps the real world work better. Brain's robotic and AI solutions help retailers ensure that the right product is on the right shelf at the right price, in a clean environment. Through the Brain

OS® Robotics Platform, which powers the largest global fleet of the Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in operation in commercial public spaces, Brain Corp delivers insightful and efficient automated solutions in both commercial floor cleaning and inventory management, empowering organizations and their employees to achieve more. Brain Corp currently powers more than 30,000 AMRs, representing the largest fleet of its kind in the world.

Brain Corp is funded by the Soft Bank Vision Fund, Clearbridge, and Qualcomm Ventures.

Position Overview: The Senior Buyer manages and oversees all hardware purchasing and provides exceptional support across supply chain operations to deliver the highest standards of quality, cost, delivery, and continuous improvement. This role partners closely with Operations, R&D, Engineering, Product and external suppliers to ensure material availability, mitigate risk and support both new product introductions and ongoing production.

• Lead purchasing activities in support of Brain Corp Operations and R&D Groups in Purchasing, including vendor setup, supplier management, and contract negotiations
• Manage strategic supplier relationships; negotiating contractual terms and conditions for pricing, lead times, quality specifications, service levels, and risk mitigation
• Procure materials and components at the lowest total cost of ownership while meeting company quality and service standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Sales, Engineering and Operations on demand, availability, lead times and order status
• Coordinate with Quality, Shipping, Receiving and Logistics team to resolve supplier quality issues and ensure timely containment and long-term corrective actions
• Recommend and implement purchasing policies, processes, and best practices
• Control and reduce external spend across a robust supplier base
• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply for critical components and services
• Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts by sourcing new suppliers, qualifying components, and ensuring procurement readiness for production ramps
• Ensure procurement activities comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements, including contract terms and data security standards where applicable
• Utilize ERP (Netsuite) and procurement systems to manage purchase orders, contracts, supplier data and spend analysis
• Create, analyze and interpret reports to support data-driven decision-making

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or equivalent
• 5-7 years of prior experience in procurement, purchasing or supply chain operations within the electronics industry
• Experience working in mechanical and electrical/sub assembly manufacturing
• Expertise in relevant materials, suppliers and sourcing techniques
• Working knowledge of passive and active components
• Experience working with OEMs, distributors and contract manufacturers
• Experience supporting both NPI and product sustainment; deep understanding of new product introduction and product sustainment
• Prior experience working with an/or implementing MRP/ERP systems
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to travel up to 10% including internationally

• Exceptional negotiation and supplier management skills
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Proactive results-oriented approach to problem-solving
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Proven flexibility in supporting supply chain team members and assuming multiple roles to meet business needs
• Strong customer service skills and ownership mentality

• Working…