Sr. Principal Buyer

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies supporting Coherent’s global wafer fabrication operations.

• Lead sourcing activities for direct materials, capital equipment, and critical manufacturing services.

• Drive cost optimization, supplier innovation, risk reduction, inventory improvements, and operational efficiencies.

• Develop supplier relationship management programs including performance metrics, scorecards, business reviews, and improvement plans.

• Lead supplier risk assessments, business continuity planning, and mitigation strategies for critical suppliers.

• Negotiate complex commercial agreements, long-term supply contracts, and capital equipment purchases.

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Planning, and Finance leadership to align procurement strategies with business objectives.

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators including cost savings, supplier quality, on-time delivery, inventory performance, and working capital improvements.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and procurement governance standards.

• Lead, mentor, and develop procurement personnel through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.

• Ensure Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system integrity and data accuracy.

• Provide executive-level updates regarding supplier performance, supply risks, and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Logistics, or related field.

• 12 years of procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or materials management experience.

• Experience supporting semiconductor, electronics, advanced manufacturing, or highly regulated manufacturing environments preferred.

• Demonstrated success negotiating complex supplier agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships.

Skills

• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, supplier development, and procurement best practices.

• Expert negotiation, communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.

• Knowledge of contract law, commercial terms, and supplier agreements.

• Strong analytical and financial acumen with experience using data-driven decision making.

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and resolve complex business challenges.

• Experience with ERP and MRP systems.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment.

• Occasional domestic and international travel.

• Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including occasional off-hours support.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods.

   

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and via video conferencing.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout office and manufacturing areas.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, office supplies, or small packages).

   

• Must be able to comply with all applicable safety requirements, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering manufacturing or warehouse areas.

   

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.