Buyer II - Boston, MA

 We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Buyer II professional with a background in sourcing and managing supplier relationships for reagents, optical components, instruments, and lab supplies. This role ensures material availability, cost competitiveness, supplier qual ...

Job description

 We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Buyer II professional with a background in sourcing and managing supplier relationships for reagents, optical components, instruments, and lab supplies. This role ensures material availability, cost competitiveness, supplier quality, and supply continuity.  The ideal candidate will have a track record of negotiating contracts and optimizing procurement processes. This role requires an ability to collaborate cross-functionally within the organization.

 

Responsibilities:

MRP Execution & Production Planning

• Execute MRP signals, convert planned orders to purchase orders and work orders.
• Maintain planning parameters (lead times, safety stock, lot sizes, scrap factors).
• Review and adjust MRP exceptions, expedite or defer orders as needed.
• Build and maintain short- and long-term supply plans for reagents and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, and Service to align demand forecasts and build schedules.
• Support NPI builds by ensuring accurate BOM setup, component readiness, and planning models.

 

Procurement – Direct Materials (Reagents & Instrumentation)

• Purchase reagents, enzymes, buffers, packaging, optical assemblies, electronics, cables, PCBs, and machined parts.
• Manage supplier lead times, MOQs, and delivery schedules to support production plans and forecasted demand.
• Lead cost-reduction projects, alternate sourcing, and value engineering efforts.
• Ensure all purchases meet quality, technical specs, and regulatory documentation requirements (CoA, CoC, SDS, RoHS/REACH as applicable).

Procurement – Indirect Materials & Services

• Purchase lab supplies, calibration services, equipment maintenance, and facility materials.
• Conduct RFQs/RFPs, evaluate total cost of ownership, and negotiate terms.
• Manage annual service agreements and contract renewals.

Inventory Management & Build Readiness

• Maintain optimal inventory levels using safety stock, reorder points, and planning models.
• Track inventory accuracy; support cycle counts and root-cause analysis for variances.
• Prevent shortages through proactive monitoring of long-lead materials and single-source risks.
• Ensure all materials for reagent batches and instrument builds are available on time for scheduled work orders.
• Identify slow-moving/obsolete materials and recommend inventory reductions.

Supplier Management

• Manage PO confirmations, shipments, expediting, and supplier communication.
• Track and report supplier KPIs (OTD, quality incidents, responsiveness).
• Support supplier audits, corrective actions, and capability assessments.
• Build strong relationships with reagent vendors, optical suppliers, electronics CM partners, and machining sources.

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Engineering to update BOMs, manage ECO impacts, and qualify alternate components.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality on incoming inspection issues, supplier NCs, and CoA/CoC documentation.
• Collaborate with Finance on cost updates, PPV analysis, and budgeting.
• Support Service and Field teams by ensuring spare parts readiness.

Risk Mitigation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and mitigate supply risks: long-lead components, enzymes with lot variability, optical modules, single-source parts.
• Implement buffer stock strategies, dual-sourcing, and supplier agreements.
• Improve planning and procurement processes through automation, ERP cleanup, and KPI-driven initiatives.

Success Metrics for Role

• On-time supply availability for all work orders (reagent and instrument).
• Inventory turns and accuracy.
• Supplier OTD ≥ 95% and reduced quality incidents.
• Stable and accurate planning parameters in ERP.
• Reduction in shortages, expedites, and unplanned downtime.
• Cost savings and improved volume pricing tiers.

Qualifications – Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in planning, purchasing, or material management.
• Experience in life-science reagents, microfluidics, optics, electromechanical assemblies, or RUO instrumentation manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of MRP, BOM structures, ECO processes, and planning parameters.
• ERP systems experience (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Dynamics).
• Excellent prioritization, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% 

Qualifications – Preferred

• Experience supporting both reagent manufacturing and complex instrument builds.
• Familiarity with QC lot release, CoA/CoC workflows, and controlled documentation.
• Knowledge of FX exposure, cost modeling, and supplier negotiation strategies.
• APICS/ISM certifications (CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) preferred.

 

Why Stellaromics?

• Innovative Technology: Be part of a company at the cutting edge of spatial biology and genomics, revolutionizing the way researchers understand biology.
• Impactful Role: You will have a significant impact on the department and the future of the company.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a talented, passionate team in a culture that values creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
• Career Growth: As a high-growth company, we offer significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Compensation

• An attractive compensation and benefits package based on market pay data will be commensurate with candidate skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Base salary: $80-100k

If you are interested in becoming part of a growing team energized by limitless possibilities, please submit your resume for consideration. To learn more about Stellaromics and our technology, please visit our website at

Stellaromics is an Equal Opportunity Employer striving to build an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.