Project/NPI Buyer

About Us:

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 177 years?!

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

What’s the role?

As a member of the global Supply Chain Management (SCM) Organization, the NPI/Project buyer is actively creating competitive advantage for ZEISS by working closely with internal process partners and external organizations.

Sound Interesting?

Here’s what you’ll do:

In this role, you will take full ownership of the complete Supply Chain for all new product introductions supporting the continuing innovation programs along with any significant engineering changes.

Understanding market trends and opportunities, you are selecting competitive suppliers capable of adding significant value to our organisation, thereby supporting the successful development and launch of innovative products and solutions.

This buyer will be integrated in many cross-functional project teams and will be considered a highly valued partner for R&D, Product Management and Operations.

When not supporting the Engineering/R&D efforts, you will be responsible for specific suppliers to ensure material availability for the Dublin CA. manufacturing plant.

• Understanding, challenging, and helping shape the roadmap of the assigned projects regarding buying market relevant aspects and trends
• Developing & maintain vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.
• Lead contract negotiations and manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations in accordance with company policies and legal standards. Escalations as needed.
• Actively participating in project and product line steering committees.
• Dynamic problem analysis, structured solution development and fast decision-making including effective escalation management
• Management of assigned vendors according to KPI and targets provided by the department manager.
• Create and place new Purchase Orders with supplier as required to ensure that material arrives per Production Order requirements or Engineering/R&D projects.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conducting thorough market research and analysis to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved terms.
• Through value adding initiatives, the Project Buyer will actively contribute to quality improvement, cost reduction and increases in supplier performance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including departments such as operations, finance, and engineering, to understand their procurement needs and align sourcing strategies accordingly.
• Initiate and lead regularly scheduled supplier meetings as needed to identify and resolve performance, quality, or delivery issues.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering open communication and collaboration to drive mutual growth and value.
• Strategic minded to lead our procurement efforts and drive optimal sourcing strategies for our organization
• Ability to read and understand Engineering drawings enabling you to communicate effectively with suppliers.
• Identify, manage and coordinate all out-sourcing projects working closely with Engineering to ensure all specifications are met and quality is maintained.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions to optimize procurement processes.
• Proficiency in using procurement software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. SAP preferred.
• Ethical conduct and a commitment to compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical sourcing practices.

Do you qualify?

Bachelor's degree in an Technical or Engineering discipline, Supply Chain Management, or a related field

Minimum 8-10 years of experience as a Senior Buyer, Procurement Lead, Project Buyer, or in a similar senior role within a manufacturing procurement environment.

NPI Procurement experience required

The annual pay range for this position is $ $92,000 – $115,000

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is also eligible for a performance bonus.. ZEISS also offers robust benefits, including medical plans, retirement savings plan and paid time off.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

· Medical

· Vision

· Dental

· 401k Matching

· Employee Assistance Programs

· Vacation and sick pay

· The list goes on!

ZEISS is an EEO/AA/M/F/Disabled Veteran Employer