Buyer

Job Description

Primary Function of Inutitive's Buyers are: 

• Manages procurement of direct materials to support business requirements: including purchase order management, sourcing, support contract negotiations, spend analysis, inventory management, and supplier performance management.

• Works independently with moderate supervision to ensure reliable supply, cost control, and alignment with quality and operational goals.

Essential Job Duties

• Procurement Process Management

  • Ensure timely and accurate processing of purchase orders and delivery commitments with suppliers to support production schedules and meet sales demands.

  • Oversee end-to-end procurement activities in SAP, facilitate supplier collaboration through Ivalua and Agile to improve operational efficiency

  • Utilize lean sourcing principles (including Kanban, consignment, and material pull methods) to ensure continuous material supply and maximize inventory efficiency.

• Supplier Collaboration and Performance Management

  • Support and coordinate recurring RFQs for routine purchases, ensuring compliance with internal policies.

  • Track and report on supplier KPIs such as on-time delivery (OTD) and quality metrics; maintain and update supplier performance trackers.

• Participate in supplier business review sessions by gathering and preparing relevant delivery data.

• Facilitate meetings with suppliers, ensure clear agendas, and document and track action items for follow-up.

• Risk Management

  • Monitor key procurement and supply chain metrics (OTD, quality, risk management and cost reduction) to proactively identify potential disruptions and escalate issues promptly to avoid line stoppages

  • Diagnose recurring supply or logistics issues and apply structured problem-solving approaches with support from management.

  • Support SIOP activities by validating routine data and assisting with standard planning tasks.

• Cross-functional Collaboration  

  • Work closely with quality and operations teams to coordinate and resolve minor supplier-related issues.

  • Execute and coordinates engineering changes and material cut ins with supervisor guidance.

  • Update shared trackers accurately, automate basic data preparation workflows, and contribute to ongoing process improvement efforts.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree with no prior experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

•  3+ years of relevant procurement or supply chain experience,

• Experience in purchase order management, supplier communications, and data entry using systems such as SAP and Ivalua.

• Ability to track and analyze supplier performance data and support basic spend analysis.

• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact productively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Experience with computer applications, including MS Office and ERP systems such as SAP and Agile. Advanced proficiency in Excel.

• Familiarity with Lean & Continuous Improvement methodologies.

• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Smartsheet, Tableau).

• Prior experience supporting procurement within a regulated manufacturing environment.

Travel: 

• ~10% travel to both domestic and international suppliers.

Preferred Skills and Experience  

• Proven ability to manage time effectively and stay organized; able to complete tasks and respond positively to feedback.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve routine issues independently.

• Positive track record of teamwork, feedback, and adapting to multiple priorities.  

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.