Senior Operational Buyer (1-Year Contract)

Job summary The V93k Supply Chain, which has worldwide business responsibility for IC Test Systems, is looking for a Senior Operational Buyer. The role ensures reliable execution of complex operational procurement and buy-sell activities while providing day-to-day functional guidance to the Operational Buying team. The position acts as a key interface between R&D, Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Trade Compliance, Strategic Purchasing, Finance, Logistics, other Supply Chain teams, and suppliers. It drives timely material availability, process compliance, team capability, issue resolution, and continuous improvement across regions.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute and oversee complex purchase-to-pay activities, including Purchase Requisition support, Purchase Order creation, amendments, confirmations, and invoice clarification in Oracle ERP.
• Manage buy-sell processes, CM sales orders, material movements, and related commercial documentation.
• Review demand, inventory, open orders, and supply commitments to identify shortages, excess exposure, and delivery risks.
• Monitor supplier confirmations and on-time delivery, expedite critical materials, and coordinate manual shipments where required.
• Resolve operational procurement escalations and coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Provide functional leadership, daily prioritization, workload coordination, and backup planning for the Operational Buying team.
• Coach team members, support onboarding and training, and promote consistent application of processes and best practices.
• Lead regular operational reviews, communicate priorities, and provide transparent status and KPI reporting to management.
• Act as subject matter expert and key user for Oracle ERP procurement and related operational processes.
• Drive process standardization between Germany and Singapore and support automation, digitalization, testing, and implementation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, controls, and training material; ensure data quality and policy compliance.
• Support cross-functional projects, manufacturing site assignments, NPI activities, supply risk mitigation, and business continuity measures.
• Act as deputy for the manager for defined operational topics when requested, without assuming formal disciplinary responsibility unless assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a comparable qualification
• Minimum 5 years of experience in operational buying, procurement, supply chain, or purchasing in a production, high-tech, semiconductor, automotive, or engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience in team coordination, coaching, project leadership, or leading without direct authority.
• Strong experience with ERP solutions, preferably Oracle EBS; SAP, Navision, or comparable systems are also relevant.
• Good understanding of material planning, inventory management, logistics, trade compliance, invoice processes, and supplier performance management.
• Experience in international and cross-functional environments, including collaboration across time zones and cultures.
• Fluent written and spoken English; good German skills are strongly preferred.