Senior Buyer

Position

Strategic Buyer

Department: Operations

Reports to: Head of Procurement and Logistics

Line Manager: VP Operations

Revision: September 2026

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The objective of this position is to ensure that HumanWare obtains the best possible cost, quality, and availability for all parts and products in its portfolio.

The Strategic Buyer will collaborate closely with the R&D department during the product design and development process to facilitate component sourcing, maintain the Approved Vendor List (AVL), ensure selected suppliers meet HumanWare's qualification criteria, and lead negotiations with key suppliers.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend suppliers worldwide to ensure the quality, competitive pricing, and availability of parts and raw materials.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms for critical and strategic electronic and mechanical components selected by the R&D department.
• Review and analyze component costs for product bills of materials and product nomenclatures developed by HumanWare.
• Recommend sourcing strategies that optimize material costs while supporting inventory and stock-turnover objectives.
• Monitor and communicate potential cost increases, supply constraints, and market risks to management.
• Participate in evaluating the economic performance of subcontractors and suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers to support long-term partnerships and responsiveness to market fluctuations.
• Manage supply-related risks, including anticipating potential shortages of raw materials and developing alternative sourcing strategies.
• Monitor supplier performance KPIs related to quality, delivery, cost, and service.
• Manage supplier contracts, including negotiation, monitoring, renewal, and ensuring favorable commercial conditions and continuity of supply.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Quality, Logistics, and other internal teams to support sourcing and procurement objectives.
• Support the Procurement department during periods of vacation, sick leave, or increased workload.
• Perform other procurement-related responsibilities of a similar nature as required.

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS – PROFILEACADEMIC TRAINING

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, or a related field.
• Significant and relevant professional experience may compensate for the lack of a degree.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, purchasing, and contract negotiation.
• Experience managing suppliers and sourcing components internationally.
• Knowledge of the electronics market or electronic/mechanical components is an asset.
• Experience working with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, or product development teams is an asset.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Bilingual in French and English, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains (GP) or another ERP system.
• Strong understanding of procurement, sourcing, supplier evaluation, and cost analysis.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTITUDES

• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Determination, initiative, and perseverance.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Results-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers from different cultures and countries.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness and availability for occasional business travel.