Supply Chain & Logistics Coordinator

advantestcareers; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantest seeks a Senior Buyer to lead strategic sourcing and supplier management in a manufacturing/tech setting. You will shape procurement strategies, negotiate high-value contracts, and align purchasing with production and customer commitments.

The role requires deep analytical ability, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency with ERP/MRP systems. On-site collaboration with diverse teams in San Jose, CA drives continuous improvement and cost control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 7+ years of purchasing, sourcing, or procurement experience in manufacturing or technology.
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supplier relationships for reliable supply, pricing, and service levels.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, and conditions for cost savings and risk mitigation.
• Analyze demand forecasts and purchasing requirements to support production.
• Issue and manage purchase orders and monitor supplier performance.
• Conduct supplier evaluations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for sourcing opportunities and new product introductions.
• Monitor inventory levels and optimize stock to avoid shortages and excess.
• Track market trends and supplier capabilities to inform sourcing decisions.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
• Develop reports and analyze spend, supplier performance, and procurement metrics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial acumen

Problem-solving

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Engineering, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Procurement tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Buyer is responsible for developing and executing sourcing and procurement strategies to ensure the timely, cost-effective acquisition of materials, equipment, and services. This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and suppliers to support business objectives while maintaining quality, delivery, and cost targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply, competitive pricing, and high service levels.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms, and conditions to achieve cost savings and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Analyze demand forecasts and purchasing requirements to execute procurement plans that support production and customer commitments.
• Issue and manage purchase orders, monitor supplier performance, and resolve delivery or quality issues.
• Conduct supplier evaluations, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify sourcing opportunities and support new product introductions.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend actions to optimize inventory while minimizing shortages and excess stock.
• Track market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Develop reports and provide analysis on spend, supplier performance, cost savings, and procurement metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of purchasing, sourcing, or procurement experience in a manufacturing or technology environment.
• Proven experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, APICS, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting global supply chains and international suppliers.
• Knowledge of contract management, inventory planning, and supplier quality processes.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Sourcing
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Cost Reduction and Cost Analysis
• Risk Management
• Supply Chain Planning
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Data Analysis and Reporting