Senior Buyer

RBR; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days vacation

Benefits from day 1 and RRSP matching

Annual fitness reimbursement

Weekly lunches

Team events and social activities

Direct impact on climate science

Job summary

RBR is seeking a Senior Buyer in Ottawa to lead strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and procurement for PCBA components. You will own MRP-driven purchasing, manage vendor relationships, and support new product introductions.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in direct procurement, a related degree, and strong ERP/MRP experience.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in direct procurement/purchasing functions, specifically with contract manufacturer relationships in the PCBA space.
• Degree or Diploma in a related field (supply chain, operations, engineering).
• Exceptional analytical skills and detail orientation.
• In-depth understanding of MRP and supply/demand planning principles, with demonstrated experience in ERP systems.
• Ability to drive process enhancements and bring new suggestions.

Responsibilities

• Execute purchase orders in accordance with MRP action messages (create, cancel, push, and pull actions).
• Provide ownership of the PCBA and electronic component portfolio.
• Proactively manage MRP planning parameters for purchased items within the PCBA portfolio; balancing cost, inventory level, and service level targets.
• Process expense Purchase Requisitions (REQs) to support departments across RBR.
• Direct the resolution of supplier non-conformances, ensuring preventative measures, credits, refunds, or replacements.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier performance (quality, on-time delivery, lead time, pricing), prepare feedback, and administer improvement programs.
• Adhere to and enforce compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, regulations and laws.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned, leveraging your seasoned expertise to guide complex initiatives

Skills

Procurement experience

Contract manufacturer relations

MRP planning

ERP systems

Data analysis

Negotiation

Supplier performance management

Continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma

Multi-tasking

Education

Degree or Diploma in related field (supply chain, operations, engineering)

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics Business Central

Jira

Confluence

Arena

Salesforce

Front

G-Suite

Job description

At RBR, we've been designing cutting-edge instruments to measure our blue planet for over 50 years. Built to withstand the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean's deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From weekly lunches to social events, we're a crew that thrives on complex, exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us? Apply below!

About the Role

As a Senior Buyer at RBR, you will assume a critical role within our Supply Chain Management team, driving strategic initiatives and contributing to the overall success of our procurement efforts. You will be responsible for strategic sourcing initiatives, assisting with new product introductions, evaluating and enhancing supplier performance, leading negotiations with key vendors, and playing a crucial role in overall material supply execution. As someone who's well-organized, with excellent attention to detail, you've mastered the art of building strong relationships with internal teams and external vendors alike, and you effectively provide support to address complex supply chain needs. Being highly proficient in data analysis would be considered a strong asset for this position.

What You'll Do:

• Execute purchase orders in accordance with MRP action messages (create, cancel, push, and pull actions)
• Provide ownership of the PCBA and electronic component portfolio
• Proactively manage MRP planning parameters for purchased items within the PCBA portfolio; effectively balancing cost, inventory level, and service level targets
• Process expense Purchase Requisitions (REQs) to support departments across RBR
• Direct the resolution of supplier non-conformances, ensuring preventative measures, credits, refunds, or replacements are secured
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with suppliers
• Evaluate supplier performance (quality, on-time delivery, lead time, pricing), prepare feedback, and administer improvement programs where necessary
• Adhere to and enforce compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, regulations and laws
• Undertake additional duties as assigned, leveraging your seasoned expertise to guide complex initiatives

What You Bring:

• 8+ years of experience in direct procurement/purchasing functions, specifically with contract manufacturer relationships in the PCBA space
• Degree or Diploma in a related field (supply chain, operations, engineering, etc.)
• Exceptional analytical skills and detail orientation
• In-depth understanding of MRP and supply/demand planning principles, with demonstrated experience in ERP systems
• The ability to drive process enhancements and bring new suggestions — we are always looking to continually improve
• High level of adaptability to new systems and processes
• Experience with complex BOMs, engineering change orders, and revision controlled documents
• Proven ability to excel under pressure, initiating action and driving results
• Self-directed with the ability to multi-task
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma)
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts and agreements

Nice to Haves:

• Experience in a high-tech electromechanical manufacturing environment
• Experience with our software tools: Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, Jira, Confluence, Arena, Salesforce, Front, G-Suite
• Experience with ERP process optimization
• APICS certifications (CPIM or CSCP), or similar industry-specific training and credentials
• Lean and/or Six Sigma certifications

Salary range: $85,000–$100,000

• The final salary and job level will depend on your experience and qualifications. We know great talent shows up at different points in a career - whether you're earlier in your journey or bring senior-level experience, we encourage you to apply. Depending on fit, the role level may shift accordingly.

Why you'll love working at RBR

• 20 days of vacation, plus a company-wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days
• Benefits from day 1 & RRSP contribution matching
• Annual fitness reimbursement program
• Weekly lunches (on us!)
• Team events and social activities
• Collaborative, supportive work environment
• Direct impact on climate science and ocean research

At RBR, we celebrate and support diversity in our workplace. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to find the most talented person for each role. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.

AI statement:

At RBR, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during parts of our hiring process. These tools may be used to support note-taking, scheduling, and/or organizing candidate information. Final hiring decisions are made by our people.