Senior Buyer

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Reports to: Supply Chain Manager

Role status: Existing vacancy

About RBR: Making waves since 1973

At RBR, we've been designing cutting-edge instruments to measure our blue planet for over 50 years. Built to withstand the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean's deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From weekly lunches to social events, we're a crew that thrives on complex, exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us?

About the Role

As a Senior Buyer at RBR, you will assume a critical role within our Supply Chain Management team, driving strategic initiatives and contributing to the overall success of our procurement efforts. You will be responsible for strategic sourcing initiatives, assisting with new product introductions, evaluating and enhancing supplier performance, leading negotiations with key vendors, and playing a crucial role in overall material supply execution. As someone who's well-organized, with excellent attention to detail, you've mastered the art of building strong relationships with internal teams and external vendors alike, and you effectively provide support to address complex supply chain needs. Being highly proficient in data analysis would be considered a strong asset for this position.

What You'll Do:

• Execute purchase orders in accordance with MRP action messages (create, cancel, push, and pull actions)

• Provide ownership of the PCBA and electronic component portfolio

• Proactively manage MRP planning parameters for purchased items within the PCBA portfolio; effectively balancing cost, inventory level, and service level targets

• Process expense Purchase Requisitions (REQs) to support departments across RBR

• Direct the resolution of supplier non-conformances, ensuring preventative measures, credits, refunds, or replacements are secured

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with suppliers

• Evaluate supplier performance (quality, on-time delivery, lead time, pricing), prepare feedback, and administer improvement programs where necessary

• Adhere to and enforce compliance with purchasing policies, procedures, regulations and laws

• Undertake additional duties as assigned, leveraging your seasoned expertise to guide complex initiatives

What You Bring:

• 8+ years of experience in direct procurement/purchasing functions, specifically with contract manufacturer relationships in the PCBA space

• Degree or Diploma in a related field (supply chain, operations, engineering, etc.)

• Exceptional analytical skills and detail orientation

• In-depth understanding of MRP and supply/demand planning principles, with demonstrated experience in ERP systems

• The ability to drive process enhancements and bring new suggestions — we are always looking to continually improve

• High level of adaptability to new systems and processes

• Excellent verbal & written communication skills

• Experience with complex BOMs, engineering change orders, and revision controlled documents

• Proven ability to excel under pressure, initiating action and driving results

• Self-directed with the ability to multi-task

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills

• Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma)

• Experience negotiating supplier contracts and agreements

Nice to Haves:

• Experience in a high-tech electromechanical manufacturing environment

• Experience with our software tools: Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, Jira, Confluence, Arena, Salesforce, Front, G-Suite

• Experience with ERP process optimization

• APICS certifications (CPIM or CSCP), or similar industry-specific training and credentials

• Lean and/or Six Sigma certifications

• Graduate level degree in a relevant field

Salary range: $85,000–$100,000

• The final salary and job level will depend on your experience and qualifications. We know great talent shows up at different points in a career - whether you're earlier in your journey or bring senior-level experience, we encourage you to apply. Depending on fit, the role level may shift accordingly.

Why you'll love working at RBR

• 20 days of vacation, plus a company-wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days

• Benefits from day 1 & RRSP contribution matching

• Bonus program

• Annual fitness reimbursement program

• Greener commuting incentive program (bike-to-work, carpool, or transit passes)

• EV reimbursement program + on-site charging stations

• Charitable donation matching

• Weekly lunches (on us!)

• Team events and social activities

• Collaborative, supportive work environment

• Work alongside passionate experts spanning multiple disciplines

• Direct impact on climate science and ocean research

At RBR, we celebrate and support diversity in our workplace. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to find the most talented person for each role. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.

AI statement: At RBR, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during parts of our hiring process. These tools may be used to support note-taking, scheduling, and/or organizing candidate information. Final hiring decisions are made by our people.