Technical Buyer

At Kepler Communications , we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - we're leading it!

 

Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access for space-based assets, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date , Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. 

 

Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. 

 

If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler! 

 

 

What We Offer:

* Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success. 

* Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance —including dependents. 

* Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown. 

* Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events. 

* Relocation packages available for approved roles. 

* $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth. 

* Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances. 

* Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged. 

* We’re a certified  Great Place to Work ®, five years in a row!

The Technical Buyer is responsible for leading procurement and supplier management activities across assigned programs, products, and commodities. This role works closely with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance to ensure material, equipment, and services are sourced and delivered in support of program objectives.  

The successful candidate will proactively manage supplier performance, delivery schedules, procurement risks, and material readiness while supporting new product introduction (NPI) and production activities.  

Key Responsibilities:

Tactical Purchasing & Supplier Management  

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  Execute day-to-day purchasing activities in support of Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Test, Logistics, and corporate functions  

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  Process purchase requests, obtain supplier quotations, evaluate pricing and lead times, and issue purchase orders in a timely manner

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  Expedite purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of materials, equipment, and services

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  Monitor open purchase orders, supplier acknowledgements, delivery commitments, and shipment status, proactively resolving delays and discrepancies

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  Perform routine commercial negotiations for pricing, delivery, and payment terms

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  Serve as the primary day-to-day purchasing contact for assigned suppliers

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  Coordinate supplier onboarding activities and maintain approved supplier documentation

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  Escalate supplier delivery, quality, and supply risks with recommended mitigation actions

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  Monitor supplier performance and support supplier accountability for schedule, quality, and responsiveness

  Operations & Cross-Functional Support  

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  Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Program Management, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to understand purchasing priorities and material requirements

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  Respond quickly to changing priorities and urgent procurement requests in a fast-paced environment

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  Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure timely material availability, providing regular updates on open orders, critical deliveries, and schedule risks

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  Coordinate with Receiving, Quality, and Accounts Payable to resolve purchasing, inspection, invoice, and payment issues

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  Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by purchasing prototype and development hardware

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  Support operational purchasing requirements for Manufacturing, Logistics, and Inventory Management

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  Participate in production and program standups as required, communicating material availability, supplier risks, and delivery status

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  Support production issue resolution related to supplier performance or material availability

Systems & Continuous Improvement

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  Maintain accurate procurement, supplier, inventory, and ERP records

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  Support inventory replenishment, material tracking, and inventory management activities

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  Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency, supplier responsiveness, and procurement processes

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  Support the implementation and continuous improvement of procurement systems, workflows, reporting, and automation initiatives

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  Contribute to process standardization and best practices across the Supply Chain function

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  Maintain a high level of urgency, accuracy, and customer service while managing multiple competing priorities

Required Skills & Qualifications:

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  Bachelor's degree or diploma in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

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  2+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing or fast-paced operational environment

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  Experience processing purchase orders, obtaining supplier quotations, and managing supplier deliveries

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  Strong understanding of purchasing processes, order management, and supplier coordination

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  Experience using ERP/MRP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and Microsoft Excel

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  Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy

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  Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing business needs, and meet tight deadlines

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  Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Finance, and other business functions

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  Customer-focused mindset with a sense of urgency and a proactive approach to problem-solving

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  Experience expediting suppliers, resolving delivery issues, and coordinating with internal stakeholders to maintain material availability

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  Experience in Aerospace, Defense, Space, Electronics, Robotics, high-tech manufacturing, or a regulated industry is considered an asset

Bonus Points:

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  Experience supporting NPI and production programs

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  Familiarity with supplier quality processes and corrective action management

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  Experience working with complex electromechanical assemblies and long-lead components

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  Familiarity with supplier quality processes, corrective actions, and supplier performance management  

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  Professional supply chain certification (SCMP, CPSM, CSCP, APICS, or equivalent)

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  CIPS – Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS or FCIPS) 

Salary Range: $55,536 - 80,536 CAD

Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package. 
Job Type: This is for a current vacancy

Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement  

Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. 

 

If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at [email protected] , and we will work with you to meet your needs. 

At Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI-based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job-relevant criteria. These tools support - but do not replace - human judgment.