Sr. Buyer

Plug Power Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Plug Power, Inc. in Austin, TX is seeking a Sr. Buyer to procure parts and components for manufacturing and to lead the purchasing team.

The role emphasizes strong supplier relationships, timely transactional work, and cross-functional collaboration to keep production on schedule. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field and 5+ years of relevant experience in technology manufacturing, with proven analytical skills and the ability to manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience in technology manufacturing and fast-paced environments.
• Ability to self-manage projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.
• Superior communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Perform transactional duties including placing purchase orders for manufacturing and other functions.
• Build and maintain cross-functional relationships; monitor timelines and activities affecting supply chain.
• Act as primary partner to manufacturing by understanding build schedules and managing supply chain activities.
• Ensure on-time delivery of parts; follow up on POs and manage expectations with stakeholders.
• Understand material specs and quality metrics; collaborate to resolve supplier issues.
• Develop relationships with suppliers; manage date pull-ins and push-outs as needed.
• Serve as mentor to purchasing staff; train new team members.
• Leverage supplier relationships to optimize pricing, terms, and quality.
• Track supplier performance and adjust supplier mix for optimal results.
• Collaborate with finance to resolve supplier payment issues; represent Plug Power professionally.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sr. BuyerStatus:

ExemptDepartment:

Purchasing/Supply ChainPosition Summary

The Sr. Buyer serves a critical role to Plug Power by working to procure necessary parts and components in support of the manufacturing operation while also acting as a lead resource for the rest of the purchasing team. The Sr. Buyer role must establish very strong and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers and therefore requires dynamic interpersonal skills. A most successful Sr. Buyer exhibits timely and accurate transactional work, exceptional cross-functional collaboration, hands‑on communication skills, and untiring follow‑up to ensure completion of critical tasks and projects. The ideal candidate is able to self-manage projects and company initiatives with limited direction required from management. This individual may be involved in negotiating short- and long-term agreements, incorporating strategic purchasing initiatives, developing and implementing procurement strategies. Additionally, the Sr. Buyer will be looked to as a purchasing team lead and will service as an advisor and mentor to other purchasing staff.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform transactional duties including placing of purchase orders to procure material in support of manufacturing and other business functions
• Build and maintain effective cross-functional relationships; communicate regularly to maintain an understanding of timelines and activities which impact supply chain
• Act as a primary partner to the manufacturing operation by understanding build schedules and managing supply chain activities to increase efficiency and eliminate downtime
• Take responsibility for accurate and on‑time delivery of parts and components; follow‑up on PO’s with suppliers and manage delivery date expectations as necessary with all relevant stakeholders
• Understand material specifications and quality metrics affecting assigned parts and components; work collaboratively to resolve quality issues with suppliers
• Develop strong relationships with suppliers and communicate regularly; manage date pull‑ins and push‑outs on an ongoing basis
• Serve as a mentor and advisor to the purchasing team, guiding and directing activities of fellow Buyers as needed
• Train new team members, acting as advisor and resource
• Leverage positive working relationships with suppliers based upon mutual benefit; seek favorable terms and conditions which positively impact pricing, quality, payment terms, and others as applicable
• Track supplier performance and provide regular feedback to relevant stakeholders; set clear expectations with suppliers and work to add/replace suppliers as needed for optimal business results
• Collaborate with colleagues in the finance department to resolve supplier payment issues
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, or other applicable field of study and five (5) or more years of related work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience within a technology manufacturing environment is highly preferred

Must be capable of working independently, in a fast‑paced environment, with minimal supervision

Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail

Superior communication skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office software including highly developed skills within Excel

Ability to manage projects and multi‑task effectively

Ability to role model high standards of professionalism

Excellent follow‑through

Must be driven and self‑motivated

Must possess the highest ethical standards and a supreme commitment to quality

Exempt employees are expected to work as many hours as is necessary to complete their job responsibilities. This may require they work more than eight hours a day and more than five days or 40 hours per week.

Plug Power, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.