Sr. Buyer (Automation)

What we need 

Symbotic is actively seeking a highly motivated Senior Buyer (Automation) to join our Supply Chain team. The ideal candidate will possess strong tactical skills, analytical abilities and collaborative strengths suited for a dynamic, high-growth environment. Proven expertise in sourcing best practices, a proactive approach, and a track record of optimizing supply bases are essential. Knowledge of electrical components, automation controls, robotics, warehousing, and Material Handling Systems is highly desirable. The candidate should be well-organized, capable of working independently, and effective in cross-functional collaboration. 
 

What we do   

Our global sourcing, procurement and third-party supplier team develop innovative category management strategies in collaboration with the business. The team focuses on strategic third-party partner agreements and help support supplier relationship management, commercial and financial pricing models for overall supplier performance. 

What you’ll do 

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for electronic components and automation controls, ensuring engineering and quality standards are met. 

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Planning, and others to understand project requirements and generate Purchase Orders (PO) efficiently within SAP, maintaining accurate records and documentation. 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains and negotiate favorable terms. 

• Negotiate and implement supplier changes that minimize cost, schedule, and operational disruption while protecting program requirements. 

• Review and analyze data to determine cost saving opportunities through vendor consolidation, market analysis, right scope with right supplier; with focus on cost initiatives with suppliers. 

• Deliver real-time material status visibility, escalate risks, and drive rapid issue resolution across internal and external stakeholders. 

• Analyze and solve purchasing problems with other departments (Accounting, Receiving, Production Planning, Product Development, etc.) such as conformance to quality or design requirements, material scheduling, receiving, and price disputes) 

• Liaison between engineering, delivery management, and suppliers to facilitate issue resolution, and continuous improvement 

• Identifies areas of risk for the business (i.e. delivery, quality, cost, performance, etc.) and makes recommendations for mitigating risk.  

What you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field. 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing or Procurement, with detailed experience using ERP systems (SAP strongly preferred). 

• Strong proficiency in ERP (SAP) for PR/PO generation, procurement modules, and planning tools. 

• Knowledge of conveyor technologies (belt, roller, hybrid systems) and system-level integration considerations.  

• Understanding of lift systems, electrical panels, and robotic automation solutions within engineered systems. 

• Experience with order management, procurement timelines, and managing engineering changes. 

• Excellent supplier management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. 

• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and develop processes or workflows where not defined. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. 

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills preferred; additional experience with PLM (Siemens Teamcenter), Microsoft SharePoint, Smartsheet, and Visio is a plus. 

• Experience with commodities such as Construction Management, Automation Installation, Conveyors, Lifts, Robotics, Automation Controls, or Material Handling Systems, including familiarity with related supply bases, is preferred. 

Our Environment 

• Up to 10% of travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to supplier, client, or other customer locations.