As a Principal Buyer on our team, you will be given the challenge of supporting sourcing for internal and external manufacturing that makes production and continuous improvement of our products possible.  You will work with suppliers on critical engineering development programs to bring new and exciting products and materials to market.  You’ll also work closely with our production and manufacturing operations to ensure availability of key production material at the right cost, quality and cost. 

The ideal candidate will bring strong strategic sourcing experience with mechanical supply partners in a technical product environment.  We’re looking for advanced mechanical category sourcing experience, strong communication and organizational ability, and a strong purchasing and sourcing foundation, ideally in a growing and scaling production environment. This individual needs to be self-motivated, bring strong experience with major supply partner management and category management, and be willing to learn and adapt in a fast-paced organization.

What you will own

• Develop sourcing plans and strategies for assigned categories or key spend areas.
• Support key qualifications of supplier materials and subcontracted processing services.
• Identify, evaluate and develop and qualify new supply sources for critical business needs.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivered quality levels, service and cost.
• Negotiate pricing and contracts with supply partners to ensure best costs for Markforged and to drive year over year productivity.
• Support purchases of critical development program material, including quick-term prototype requirements. Identify suppliers and expedite materials as necessary to support development program needs.
• Help manage vendor risk by assisting in risk discovery processes, communicating risk exposures, and developing and executing on mitigation plans, as needed.
• Develop and maintain strong value-based relationships with key supply partners. Monitor supplier capacities to ensure no unexpected capacity constraints occur. 
• Recommend and initiate process improvements including quality, efficiency, inventory and cost improvements.
• Execute direct material purchase orders for internal and external manufacturing production requirements
• Analyze, recommend, and execute purchase of components with supply risk or on allocation to protect production delivery schedules.

Important Note: 

Although we list out what we generally look for, we are very likely missing other attributes and skills that you have that could make you a great fit, but are not currently listed. Research has shown this especially applies to women and other marginalized groups, who tend to apply if they check 100% of every box, versus men who apply if they hit roughly 60%. The point we’re getting at, it doesn’t hurt to take a chance and apply!

What You Have

• Demonstrated sourcing experience with a commodity and category focus
• Supplier evaluation and development experience in new categories
• Experience developing and leading cross-functional sourcing qualification projects
• Prior experience in purchasing in a manufacturing environment with a focus on electro-mechanical components. 
• Demonstrated cost reduction experience in a range of categories and projects
• Adept at Google Suite (especially Sheets and file handling), Excel and able to learn and use various collaboration apps
• Strong drive, insight and commitment to continuous improvement  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to advance to higher level roles within Sourcing and Operations

• Willingness to travel to regional and domestic supply partners
• BA/BS degree or equivalent experience, preferably in business or a technical discipline

• Passion for progressive strategic sourcing and category management, and progressive advancement within the profession
• 7+ years applied experience as a Senior Buyer with a category responsibility environment, ideally with an annual $5M+ spend responsibility
• Experience working with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and supply partners to introduce new products and lead continuous improvement projects 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across internal departments and with external partners
• Experience with Operations  best practices such as LEAN, Kaizen, 5S, and Six Sigma
• Highly motivated and organized individual with sharp analytical and process mindset 
• Highly skilled in G-Suite apps
• Enjoys challenging the status quo and sharing new ideas
• Thrives in a fast-paced dynamic  environment

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