Strategic Buyer (m/f/d)

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the execution of a Advanced Surgery Supply Chain Strategy that supports Novanta Business Growth objectives and Advanced Surgery Business expectations for Supplier OTD, Inventory Reduction, Supplier Quality, Supplier Lead Times, and Material Productivity, including VAVE.
• Implement Productivity and Supplier Improvement plans in support with the global category management teams as planned in the Advanced Surgery Annual Operating Plan for Supply Chain.
• Establish and network of support resources in Advanced Surgery business to facilitate Supply Chain improvements and leverage supplier capabilities in product design, cost reduction, lead time reduction while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Work closely with Advanced Surgery Operations, Engineering and Quality teams to proactively identify and develop external capability to support strategic in‑sourcing or out‑sourcing opportunities and support Supplier chronic or major performance issues in a timely manner.
• Champion resolving all serious supply issues via appropriate methodology including available Novanta support and on‑the‑ground troubleshooting key constraints.
• Obtain frequent competitive bids, analyze costs and negotiate/award contracts to nominated Key Suppliers based on robust and up‑to‑date Commodity Strategies and TCO to Advanced Surgery business and Novanta overall.
• Drive Advanced Surgery increasing Inventory Turns by developing, identifying, and supporting the implementation of innovative material replenishment processes including, but not limited to Kanban, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Supplier Consignment.
• Participate in and support Global Kaizen events that will eliminate waste and result in significant benefits (Growth, Quality, Delivery and Cost) throughout the Novanta Supply Chain.
• Drive continuous improvement in the supply base by communicating objective performance metrics (including Supplier Scorecards) via a minimum of Quarterly Business Reviews with key Suppliers focused on lead time reduction, on‑time delivery improvement, quality improvement, cost reduction, service, and compliance.
• Engender a spirit of cooperation throughout Advanced Surgery Supply Chain, both internally and externally, to ensure responsiveness to the customer.
• Ensure proper flown‑down of part specification, Rev changes, quality, and inspection requirements.

Required Experience, Education, Skills, Training and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering or supply chain discipline.
• 3+ years of strategic sourcing experience.
• Strong ability to communicate and influence.
• Ability to learn new systems, meet objectives and work independently in a matrix organization – Minimal supervision.
• Experience in category management, site visits, supplier audits, negotiations, and contract agreements preferred.
• Travel will be required, and relationships need building.
• Ability to drive cost reduction projects to achieve consistent PPV/PPI and overall material spend reductions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to converse well with peers, Novanta Leadership and Supplier Leadership.
• Diplomatic yet persistent, where necessary, to ensure timely execution.
• Excellent demonstrated high level Negotiation skills are paramount to success.
• Ability to articulate previous negotiations from conception, planning, people involved, success and any lessons learnt.
• Proven ability to ensure material availability, while reducing inventory and increasing inventory turns.
• Analytical thinker with excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to understand and apply lean Manufacturing methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication/presentation skills in English; German is a plus.
• Travel Requirements Approximately 20% travel, including international travel.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy. Please call +1 781-266-5700 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.