Senior Buyer

Advantest; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid Holidays

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Advantest America, located in Lake Forest, CA, is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing strategies for capital equipment and key commodities. The role interacts with engineering, manufacturing, and the business unit to optimize procurement and cost controls.

The candidate will negotiate supplier contracts, review proposals, and manage vendor relationships while ensuring compliance with internal policies. This on-site role requires strong analytical abilities and the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree with 8+ years of experience in capital equipment or semiconductor purchasing.
• Experience in the review and negotiation of legal agreements.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function in a high-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Oracle ERP/MRP applications.
• APICS Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the financial viability and risk of suppliers.
• Oversee purchase requisition process and policy compliance with finance and procurement.
• Research industry trends in sourcing, technology, and market prices.
• Analyze cost drivers and develop cost-reduction strategies.
• Assist in creating and processing purchase orders per documented processes.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Oracle ERP/MRP

Job description

Senior Buyer

Advantest America is the North American subsidiary of Advantest Corporation, the world’s largest provider of Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) to the semiconductor industry. For over six decades, Advantest has led the way in developing new and innovative test and handling solutions for the global electronics industry. Advantest is seeking an experienced Sr. Buyer. This is an on-site role, located at Advantest Test Solutions in Lake Forest, CA.

The Sr. Buyer is at the center of activity for the Supply Chain, working with our business unit, engineers, and the manufacturing team, to develop sourcing strategies for new products and key commodities. This includes price negotiations, supplier review/setup, and contract preparation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze the financial viability and risk of suppliers.
• Oversee purchase requisition process, ensure consistent use of policies and procedures, in conjunction with finance and procurement.
• Research industry trends, including sourcing, technology, and market prices.
• Analyze cost drivers and developing strategies to reduce costs.
• Assist in creating and processing purchase orders, in accordance with documented processes for purchasing of all controlled materials, non-controlled materials, consumable items, other supplies and equipment as needed.
• Communicate with Management and Stakeholders regarding purchase order status, purchasing volumes, capacity/material issues, remedial action plans and other reporting criteria through the generation of monthly metrics and KPI’s.
• Facilitate cost savings, quality, and continuous improvement projects.
• Review proposals, work with procurement team for negotiation of pricing with suppliers.
• Advise business on new vendor review, selection, and onboarding.
• Establish, review, and execute vendor contracts (in partnership with procurement and legal).
• Manage relationships with suppliers.
• Participate in supplier audits with the Quality team, as required.
• Explore alternate sources for goods and materials.
• Willing and able to travel, as some travel may be required.
• May act in place of the Manager, as required and authorized.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA or BS Degree in related field, with 8 or more years of experience (capital equipment or semiconductor purchasing preferred).
• Experience in the review and negotiation of legal agreements.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills are required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office software (e.g., Excel) and Oracle ERP/MRP business applications required.
• Strong commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and other colleagues.
• Must be able to: multi-task, be flexible, work in a close-knit team-oriented atmosphere, and have the ability to interact professionally with internal and external customers.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to work with all levels of employees and to effectively manage vendor relations.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• APICS Certification preferred.
• An ability to be productive and successful in an intense work environment.
• This is an on-site role in our Lake Forest, CA office.

About Advantest

Advantest America Inc. is part of Advantest Corporation, the world’s largest provider of automated test equipment (ATE) for the semiconductor industry. The company designs and manufactures cutting-edge testing solutions that help semiconductor manufacturers ensure the quality and performance of their products. Advantest is known for innovation, reliability, and a strong commitment to supporting its customers and employees.

Our Purpose & Values

• Mission: Improve lives through advanced technologies and customer-focused innovation.
• Vision: Be the most trusted and valued test solution provider in the semiconductor value chain.

Core Values

• I- Innovation is our Lifeblood
• N- Number One is Our Aspiration
• T- Trust is our Foundation
• E- Empowerment is Our Motivation
• G- Global is our Reach
• R- Respect is our Heart
• I - Inclusion and Diversity is Our Commitment
• T- Teamwork is our Approach
• Y- Yes is Our Attitude

Why Join Us

At Advantest, innovation starts with people. We’re looking for curious, capable, and collaborative individuals ready to shape the future of semiconductor technology. You’ll join a global team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact.

We foster an integrity-centered culture, where honesty, inclusion, and respect are the foundation of everything we do.

Benefits Overview

• Global Bonus Program: Performance-based bonuses paid twice yearly.
• 401(k) Plan: Pre-tax retirement savings with company match.
• Medical, Dental & Vision: Multiple plan options including HMO, PPO, and HSA.
• Income Protection: Life, disability, and accident insurance at no cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care options.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free support for personal and work-related issues.
• Flexible Time Off: Accrual starts at hire, increases with service.
• Paid Holidays: 13 company holidays annually.

Salary Range

$120k - $138k (depending on experience)

EEO Statement

Advantest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Advantest to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

The Advantest Way - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Advantest, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of who we are. We are continuing to build a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging through our DE&I programs & initiatives. We strive to have a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace to enable us to attract and retain candidates that feel a sense of purpose and empowerment. Our commitment to DE&I is unwavering and we are steadfast in our mission to continuously foster an environment of respect, trust and transparency. We value diversity and inclusion and believe employees of all backgrounds contribute to our ongoing success. At Advantest, we celebrate and support the needs of our employees regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), sex and sexual orientation. DE&I at Advantest is more than words to us, they are the Advantest Way.