Senior Buyer

Cepheid is a molecular diagnostic company dedicated to improving healthcare by developing, manufacturing and marketing accurate yet easy-to-use molecular systems and tests. By automating highly complex and time-consuming manual procedures, the company's solutions deliver a better way for institutions of any size to perform sophisticated genetic testing for organisms and genetic-based diseases. Through its strong molecular biology capabilities, Cepheid is focusing on applications where accurate, rapid and actionable test results are needed most, such as managing infectious diseases and cancer.
Make a difference in healthcare and join us on this mission!
As Senior Buyer you will be responsible for production supplier assignments including supplier evaluation, selection, qualification of materials and supplier as well as supplier performance management. You will also be responsible for a certain amount of key Suppliers.
Negotiates favorable terms, volume discounts and long-term contracts with suppliers.
Drive ongoing supplier optimization and continuous improvement.
Conducts full development life cycle including interviews of users, development of requirements documents and implementation of requirements.
Further, you will be working closely with the Global Purchasing team to deliver the best value from bought-in goods/materials and services, to maximize profitability and work within the policy and objectives of our company.


ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinates purchasing activities with manufacturing and engineering departments to acquire inventory in a cost effective and timely manner.
Obtains materials, components, equipment and services.
Manage assigned suppliers and commodities to acquire inventory in a cost effective, high quality performance to demand requirements.
Improve supplier performance program through our supplier review board.
Acquire and maintain technical understanding of products purchased.
Develop new supply sources where vendors and suppliers are inadequate.
Recommend cost saving proposals including make-versus-buy analysis, alternative sourcing and vendor evaluation criteria.
Supplier relations management with a focus on building the relations as well as being an escalation level for buyer level needing support.



MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education or Experience (in years):
Bachelor’s degree in field with 5+ years of related work experience OR
Master’s degree in field with 3+ years of related work experience



Knowledge and skills:
A minimum of 5+ years related experience in vendor management for a $40M plus revenue company preferred in a diagnostic or pharmaceutical environment.
The candidate should be familiar with raw materials used in the biomedical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The candidate should also be experienced with SOP's, GMP, JIT, MRP and should have experience with APICS principles.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Excel is a must) and business management software
Experience working with ERP systems required, SAP experience is preferred
Demonstrated successful contract supplier negotiation involving any of the following: cost reduction independent of volume increase, vendor managed inventory, supply flexibility increase
Capable of managing multiple, high-priority assignments
Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
Must be able to work flexible hours: days, afternoons, overtime when required.



PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (optional):
Effective communication skills, both oral and written. (Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely.)
You work great in a team, but can also create value alone and can be a self-starter.
Experience working with product lifecycle management, document control and enterprise quality management systems.
Experience in a medical device, in vitro diagnostics or pharmaceutical environment.
Familiarity with raw materials used in the biomedical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturing, specifically enzymes, reagents, chemicals, controls, etc.
Experience with Standard operating procedures, Good Manufacturing & Documentation practices



Cepheid is part of Danaher Corporation, a global science & technology innovator committed to helping our customers solve complex challenges and improve quality of life worldwide.
At Danaher, you can build a career in a way no other company can duplicate. Our brands allow us to offer dynamic careers across multiple industries. We're innovative, fast-paced, results-oriented, and we win. We need talented people to keep winning. Here you'll learn how DBS is used to shape strategy, focus execution, align our people, and create value for customers and shareholders.
Come join our winning team!