Senior Buyer

Position Overview

Ultimate Staffing Services is actively seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join their client's team in Newark, California. This role is crucial in leading procurement activities across new product introductions, customer and internal RFQs, and strategic sourcing. The Senior Buyer will act as a key commercial and supply chain interface between Engineering, Sales, Operations, and suppliers, ensuring competitive cost structures, supplier readiness, and supply continuity from development through serial production. The position focuses on driving cost optimization, supplier performance, and risk mitigation while supporting business growth and time-to-market objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects from concept to launch.
• Manage supplier technical and commercial alignment for new products.
• Support prototype, pilot, and ramp-up phases, ensuring material availability and supplier readiness.
• Own and manage the RFQ process for new and existing products, including complex and custom solutions.
• Prepare and analyze supplier quotations, cost breakdowns, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Lead price, lead time, MOQ, and commercial term negotiations.
• Support customer quotations by providing accurate, competitive, and timely cost inputs.
• Benchmark suppliers and markets to ensure competitive positioning.
• Ensure RFQs and Purchasing comply with internal governance, sourcing strategies, and customer requirements.
• Prepare PR for all requirements based on external Customer/Internal Customer need.
• Create and issue POs in ERP/MRP; maintain data accuracy (item codes, lead time, MOQ, supplier codes, price validity).
• Maintain vendor price agreements in ERP and support landed cost updates (freight, duty, FX).
• Support cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Audit invoices prior to payment where discrepancies occur.
• Handle other tasks assigned by direct report.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field. A Master's degree or professional certification is a plus.

Experience

• Five to eight years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or buying within packaging, manufacturing, or engineered products.
• Proven experience supporting new product introduction or new customer programs.
• Strong experience working with technical and engineering teams.
• Knowledge of packaging materials is a plus.
• Ability to work on a variety of demands at the same time.

Languages

• Fluent in English.
• Ability to communicate well with others through written and verbal skills.
• Able to make effective and persuasive presentations in all sorts of situations.

Skills and Competencies

• Able to make effective and persuasive presentations in all sorts of situations to employee groups and management.
• Ability to respond under pressure situations with clear and decisive action.

Required Work Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Benefits

Max Pay: $90,000 per year

Min Pay: $75,000 per year

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly to this job posting for consideration.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.