Pivotal Commware develops 5G communications platforms, systems and applications based on Holographic Beam Forming® , a patented breakthrough in electromagnetic physics. HBF allows Pivotal to create software-defined antennas that can harness, shape and direct radio waves with order-of magnitude advantages over legacy beamforming systems in cost, size, weight and power consumption (C-SWaP). HBF enables mobile network operators to maximize capacity, coverage and throughput on demand and is recognized as an essential element in the 5G ecosystem. 5G leadership is pivotal to the US economy, and 5G is Pivotal™.

We are seeking a Sr Buyer on a contract basis who will be the materials focal point for bringing new technology products from development into manufacturing. This can include source selection, procurement, cost verification of new parts, ensuring materials are delivered to coincide with project schedules, supply logistics, and minimizing inventory/cost exposure of parts being phased out of production. Success in the position requires the development of strong partnerships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Will work on multiple NPI projects simultaneously.

Duties and Responsibilities:

•Responsible for component and material purchasing of complex electro/mechanical commodities for NPI team. Works within NPI cross-functional project team, playing a key role in the delivery of the New Product Development materials.

•Ensures that sourcing is based on negotiated competitive bids. Conducts cost and lead-time analysis, understands and rationalizes underlying cost and lead-time drivers and establishes negotiation strategies.

•Manage tight deadlines in low volume, fast paced environment. Expedite supplier delivery schedules to achieve OTD and minimize expedite costs.

•Maintains a positive partnership with supplier base. Responsible for supplier performance management. Ensures that the Supplier KPI’s governing quality, delivery and NPI performance are considered before deciding to source material from vendors. Ensure early DFM feedback from suppliers.

•Manage material cost and schedule impact of proposed engineering change orders in addition to taking necessary actions to ensure successful implementation and execution of approved engineering product releases.

•Collaborate with colleagues for long term planning and short-term material and production.

•Coordinate with all departments to ensure a smooth phase in and phase out process of materials.

•Adhere to “Financial Limits of Authority” purchasing matrix in order to identify approved spending levels.

•Resolve shipping and billing issues.

•Complete special projects and assignments as requested.

•Perform work with minimal supervision and direction.

Requirements:

•Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain and a minimum of 7 years relevant experience. (MBA preferred)

•APICS/ISM (CPSM)/Supply Chain certification preferred. 

•Minimum of 4 years procurement experience.

•Experience in purchasing technical commodities requiring close interface with Engineering.

•Strong working knowledge in a manufacturing environment.

•Must have good oral and written communication skills.

•Strong business acumen combined with demonstrated negotiation / influencing skills.

•Proficient in M/S Outlook, Word, Excel (reporting and analysis).

•Ability to travel both domestically and internationally.

Desired Qualifications:

•You are a nimble, adaptive, “roll up the sleeves” employee who is flexible and resilient that enjoys working in a startup environment. •You are flexible and able to function comfortably in a fast paced, constantly changing and ambiguous environment.

•You possess excellent negotiation skills and are a natural relationship builder. You can successfully negotiate with vendors to achieve desired results.

•You communicate in a professional, efficient manner at all levels of the company and portray a positive and professional image.

•You are an influencer – you know when to use discretion and tact, while knowing when to push to drive results.

•You possess strong attention to detail.

•You possess good communication skills and can build cross functional relationships in the organization. You communicate issues and clear roadblocks effectively.

At Pivotal you’ll join a team experienced in advanced communications, commercial antennas, RF circuit design, machine learning and active/nonlinear metamaterials.

Named among Washington’s Top 100 Places to Work in 2018 & 2019, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We highly respect and seek to empower each individual while supporting diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce. If you want to apply yourself to this fascinating endeavor, then we’d like to hear from you!