Senior Buyer, Supply Chain

Brain Corp is a San Diego, California, USA-based AI company creating transformative core technology for the robotics industry. Our purpose is to create autonomous technology that helps the real world work better. Brain's robotic and AI solutions help retailers ensure that the right product is on the right shelf at the right price, in a clean environment. Through the BrainOS® Robotics Platform, which powers the largest global fleet of the Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in operation in commercial public spaces, Brain Corp delivers insightful and efficient automated solutions in both commercial floor cleaning and inventory management, empowering organizations and their employees to achieve more. Brain Corp currently powers more than 30,000 AMRs, representing the largest fleet of its kind in the world. Brain Corp is funded by the SoftBank Vision Fund, Clearbridge, and Qualcomm Ventures.

Position Overview: 

The Senior Buyer manages and oversees all hardware purchasing and provides exceptional support across supply chain operations to deliver the highest standards of quality, cost, delivery, and continuous Improvement. This role partners closely with Operations, R&D, Engineering, Product and external suppliers to ensure material availability, mitigate risk and support both new product introductions and ongoing production. .

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead purchasing activities in support of Brain Corp Operations and R&D Groups in Purchasing, including vendor setup, supplier management, and contract negotiations
• Manage strategic supplier relationships; negotiating contractual terms and conditions for pricing, lead times, quality specifications, service levels, and risk mitigation
• Procure materials and components at the lowest total cost of ownership while meeting company quality and service standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Sales, Engineering and Operations on demand, availability, lead times and order status 
• Coordinate with Quality, Shipping, Receiving and Logistics team to resolve supplier quality issues and ensure timely containment and long-term corrective actions
• Recommend and implement purchasing policies, processes, and best practices
• Control and reduce external spend across a robust supplier base
• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply for critical components and services 
• Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts by sourcing new suppliers, qualifying components, and ensuring procurement readiness for production ramps
• Ensure procurement activities comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements, including contract terms and data security standards where applicable
• Utilize ERP (Netsuite) and procurement systems to manage purchase orders, contracts, supplier data and spend analysis
• Create, analyze and interpret reports to support data-driven decision-making

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or equivalent
• 5-7 years of prior experience in procurement, purchasing or supply chain operations within the electronics industry
• Experience working in mechanical and electrical/sub assembly manufacturing
• Expertise in relevant materials, suppliers and sourcing techniques
• Working knowledge of passive and active components
• Experience working with OEMs, distributors and contract manufacturers 
• Experience supporting both NPI and product sustainment Deep understanding of new product introduction and product sustainment  
• Prior experience working with an/or implementing MRP/ERP systems
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to travel up to 10% including internationally

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics: 

• Exceptional negotiation and supplier management skills
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Proactive results-oriented approach to problem-solving
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Proven flexibility in supporting supply chain team members and assuming multiple roles to meet business needs
• Strong customer service skills and ownership mentality

Things that Make a Difference: 

• Working knowledge of international shipment regulations, documentation, HTS codes and logistics processes
• Experience in lean manufacturing and/or Six Sigma 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for periods of time; operating a computer and keyboard; use of hands to finger and grasp; talk and hear at normal room levels; visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures; push or pull up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Employees are exposed to the typical office environment with computers, printers and telephones.

Salary Range:

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego, California is $80,000 to $103,500. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Brain Corp is a multi-state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

In addition to base pay, our competitive total rewards package consists of:

• A discretionary annual target bonus
• Stock options
• 401(k) plan with match (no waiting period and immediate vesting)
• Comprehensive suite of insurance benefits for employees (and their families) to include a variety of medical plan options (including an HSA with employer contribution), dental, vision, life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Legal/Identity support plans, pet insurance.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Generous paid time off including flexible vacation, Paid Sick Leave, time off for volunteering in the community, 10 paid company holidays, and a winter company shutdown

Additional Perks include:

• Daily on-site lunch available in the San Diego office
• On-campus gym including pool and tennis courts in the San Diego office
• Opportunities to connect with colleagues including monthly game nights, hikes, wellness challenges, and community events 
• Internal continuous learning events 
• Opportunities to share your own interests and hobbies with the Company