Job Description
Are you a seasoned procurement professional looking to elevate your career with a global industry leader? Coherent, a world-class innovator in lasers, engineered materials, and networking components, is seeking a high-performing Senior Buyer to join our manufacturing hub in Penang. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for driving supply chain efficiency, managing strategic vendor relationships, and ensuring the seamless acquisition of high-quality components necessary for our cutting-edge technological solutions.
As a Senior Buyer at Coherent, you will not just be processing orders; you will be an integral part of a vertically integrated supply chain, working cross-functionally with engineering, production, and logistics teams. We are looking for a proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles and global sourcing strategies. If you are analytical, negotiation-savvy, and passionate about operational excellence, we invite you to help us shape the future of industrial technology.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute effective procurement strategies to ensure timely delivery of direct and indirect materials.
- Manage end-to-end purchasing activities, including RFP/RFQ processes, contract negotiations, and vendor performance evaluations.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels through rigorous demand planning and collaboration with production scheduling.
- Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to diversify the supply base and mitigate geopolitical or logistics risks.
- Analyze market trends and cost structures to implement value-added cost reduction initiatives.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to source specialized components that meet technical specifications and quality standards.
- Resolve supply chain bottlenecks and quality issues through proactive communication and troubleshooting.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, ideally within a high-tech or manufacturing environment.
- Strong command of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and manage high-value vendor relationships.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills under pressure.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Malay.
- CIPS certification or similar professional purchasing qualification is a distinct advantage.