SENIOR PURCHASE BUYER
Job Description
REPORTS TO Supply Chain Manager
Why Wipro-PARI?
Vision: To be in the world's top 10 discrete automation solutions companies serving the global industrial sector.
Mission: Provide end-to-end Industrial Automation solutions to manufacturing businesses enabling them to be automated, digitized, and smart.
Join Wipro - PARI, a world-class automation & technology firm, and work in a team that is dedicated to making manufacturing smarter, faster, and safer. Wipro PARI is an international robotics and automation firm with a North American operation located in Rochester Hills, MI. The North American headquarters works with regional, national, and international businesses to provide a variety of unique and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. In the last 20 years, Wipro PARI-North America has grown exponentially and is looking to add to its vibrant, multicultural team. Wipro PARI has the vision to utilize its expertise and resources to bring the best solutions in automation and robotics to its customers. Through our global reach and technical prowess, we offer a comprehensive slew of industrial automation solutions, including turnkey physical automation projects and digital factory initiatives to serve our customers.
Job Description
Our company is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Purchase Buyer to join our team. The Senior Purchase Buyer will be responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement execution, cost control, and supply chain support for automation and logistics automation projects.
This position will take ownership of assigned commodities, suppliers, and procurement activities, ensuring materials and services are sourced competitively and delivered on time. The Senior Purchase Buyer will proactively identify supply risks, develop alternate sources, negotiate commercial terms, drive cost savings, and resolve complex procurement issues.
The role will include domestic and international sourcing, supplier development, supplier performance management, and sourcing of services and contingent labor required to support in-house and on-site installation and commissioning activities
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
Develop, evaluate, and maintain a qualified domestic and international supplier base.
Manage and review key Class A and Class B suppliers, including cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and responsiveness.
Identify, qualify, and develop alternate suppliers to reduce supply chain risk.
Lead RFQ/RFP activities, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and sourcing decisions.
Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, freight, labor rates, and other commercial conditions.
Monitor supplier capacity, performance, financial concerns, and potential supply risks.
Establish strong supplier relationships while maintaining competitive commercial terms.
Conduct supplier performance reviews and support supplier improvement initiatives.
Periodically visit suppliers and client/project sites as required.
Procurement & Project Support
Review purchase indents and prioritize procurement based on project requirements, urgency, and business impact.
Take ownership of procurement activities from RFQ through PO placement, expediting, and delivery.
Ensure on-time procurement at the optimum total cost while meeting project requirements.
Proactively expedite critical and long-lead items and communicate potential delays.
Support project teams with procurement planning, sourcing strategies, supplier selection, and material availability.
Resolve procurement-related issues with Engineering, Project Management, Stores, Accounts Payable, Finance, and suppliers.
Manage procurement for CAPEX and project-specific requirements while maintaining required documentation.
Monitor open purchase orders and supplier commitments to ensure timely delivery.
Identify and implement cost-reduction, alternate sourcing, and commercial improvement opportunities.
Support sourcing and procurement of installation and commissioning services, including contingent labor and trade resources.
Supply Chain Risk Management
Proactively identify supplier, cost, lead-time, capacity, and material risks.
Troubleshoot complex supply chain issues by evaluating options, identifying root causes, and implementing effective corrective actions.
Develop contingency and alternate sourcing strategies for critical requirements.
Escalate critical supplier and material issues appropriately and in a timely manner.
Forecast potential shortages, supplier capacity issues, and project impacts and take corrective action before they affect project schedules.
Compliance & Process Management
Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Maintain accurate procurement documentation and supplier records.
Resolve compliance issues and address questions or findings raised by internal stakeholders.
Ensure procurement activities follow established approval and authorization processes.
Maintain appropriate documentation for supplier selection, sourcing decisions, and commercial negotiations.
Reporting & Performance Management
Review the Pending PO Report weekly and take appropriate follow-up actions.
Review the PO vs. GRIR Report monthly and coordinate resolution of discrepancies.
Monitor supplier performance, open orders, delivery commitments, procurement KPIs, and cost-saving initiatives.
Maintain and update goals, achievements, and KRA documentation.
Provide management with regular updates regarding procurement status, supplier risks, cost savings, and escalations.
Minimum Requirements
10+ years of purchasing/procurement experience, preferably within manufacturing, automation, engineering, systems integration, or industrial environments.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Strong experience with domestic and international sourcing.
Proven experience managing suppliers and negotiating pricing, terms, lead times, labor rates, and commercial conditions.
Experience sourcing machined and fabricated components and related manufacturing services.
Experience sourcing contingent workforce, installation, or skilled trade services is strongly preferred.
Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and ERP/SCM systems.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within demanding project timelines.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assignments and work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with Engineering, Project Management, Stores, Finance, HR, and suppliers.
Proactive approach to forecasting, risk identification, alternate sourcing, and problem resolution.
Proven ability to work effectively as a team member and contribute positively to team culture and shared goals.
Willingness and ability to travel periodically to supplier locations and client/project sites.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting automation, material handling, logistics automation, or systems integration projects.
Experience with machining, fabrication, welding, painting, powder coating, and other manufacturing processes.
Experience sourcing and managing installation contractors, skilled trades, contingent labor, and commissioning resources.
Experience managing complex, time-sensitive project procurement.
Experience with international suppliers and global sourcing.
Demonstrated history of cost savings, supplier development, and supply chain risk reduction.
Experience working in a project-driven engineering or manufacturing environm
