Senior Buyer: Strategic Sourcing & NPI Leader

Velo3D, Inc.; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) employer contributions

Job summary

Velo3D, Inc. is seeking a Senior Buyer to own strategic and tactical procurement for critical materials and services supporting Sapphire metal AM systems. You’ll develop commodity strategies, lead supplier negotiations, and partner with Engineering, Operations, and Quality in a fast-paced, growth-stage company.

The role requires 5–8+ years in manufacturing procurement, strong negotiation skills, and ERP/MRP proficiency. Travel to Fremont, CA office up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of progressive procurement or strategic buying experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record leading supplier negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships, including contract negotiation (LTAs, MSAs).
• Strong understanding of supply chain risk management, inventory economics, and cost structures; experience with should-cost or TCO analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Excel, including data analysis and scenario modeling.
• Ability to operate autonomously, prioritize in a fast-paced environment, and make sound decisions with incomplete information.
• Strong communication, influencing, and cross-functional stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end procurement for assigned commodities, including precision machined components, electromechanical assemblies, optics/lasers, sheet metal, weldments, and metal powders supporting production of Velo3D Sapphire metal additive manufacturing systems
• Manage approximately $X–$XM in annual spend across assigned commodity categories
• Lead complex supplier negotiations focused on cost, lead time, quality, payment terms, and risk reduction; negotiate and administer LTAs, MSAs, and NDAs
• Develop and execute commodity sourcing strategies, including dual/second-source qualification and supply base rationalization
• Perform should-cost analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling to drive fact-based negotiations
• Drive cost-reduction and value-engineering initiatives in partnership with Engineering and Operations
• Serve as escalation point for supplier performance, delivery issues, and quality concerns; lead corrective action and continuous improvement efforts using supplier scorecards
• Ensure materials availability to support production plans in a high-mix, low-volume capital equipment environment while optimizing inventory investment
• Maintain and improve purchasing data integrity in ERP system (pricing, lead times, MOQs, safety stock parameters)
• Support make/buy decisions and new product introduction (NPI) sourcing activities
• Conduct supplier site visits, business reviews, and audits as needed. Travel to our Fremont, CA office regularly, up to 10% travel.
• Ensure sourcing activities comply with export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) where applicable
• Mentor junior buyers and planners; contribute to supply chain policies, controls, and process improvements

Skills

Procurement strategy

Supplier negotiations

Supply chain risk

ERP/MRP systems

Excel analysis

Autonomous work

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP/MRP software

Excel

Job description

Velo3D, Inc. is seeking a Senior Buyer to own strategic and tactical procurement for critical materials and services supporting Sapphire metal AM systems. You’ll develop commodity strategies, lead supplier negotiations, and partner with Engineering, Operations, and Quality in a fast-paced, growth-stage company.

The role requires 5–8+ years in manufacturing procurement, strong negotiation skills, and ERP/MRP proficiency. Travel to Fremont, CA office up to 10% may be required.