The Senior Buyer is a hands-on, execution-focused role with strategic ownership. You will be responsible for designing and running the day-to-day purchasing operation at Basic Research - from supplier relationships and PO management to the critical tolling-to-turnkey transition. You won't manage a team, but you will own your domain completely.
Basic Research recently migrated to Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. This role will establish clean purchasing workflows, data integrity standards, and PO management practices within BC - building on a new foundation rather than inheriting a legacy one.
The ideal candidate combines strong purchasing execution skills with the drive to build systems, not just run them. You are organized, analytically sharp, and comfortable working cross-functionally in a still-maturing environment.
What You'll Own
Tolling-to-Turnkey Transition
- Execute the tolling-to-turnkey transition plan - mapping current tolling inventory, coordinating consumption timelines with third-party manufacturers, and progressing a structured roadmap to full turnkey purchasing. This is the highest-priority deliverable in year one.
- Maintain tight coordination with turnkey suppliers to ensure tolling items are consumed efficiently and transition milestones are hit on schedule.
Purchasing Execution & System Design
- Design and implement purchasing workflows, PO management standards, and data integrity practices within Business Central - replacing legacy manual workarounds with scalable, repeatable processes.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels through sound material planning and safety stock management.
- Ensure PO accuracy, timeliness, and full traceability within BC at all times.
Supplier Management
- Identify, qualify, and manage supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality standards, and reliable delivery performance.
- Build and maintain a supplier scorecard and quarterly review cadence, driving corrective action where needed.
- Conduct cost analyses and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality or service levels.
- Support Product Development in sourcing new vendors and materials that meet technical, regulatory, and commercial requirements.
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Serve as the day-to-day purchasing contact for Finance, Operations, Quality, and Product Development - communicating clearly on material availability, lead times, and supplier changes.
- Translate purchasing complexity into plain language for cross-functional partners and leadership updates.
- Comfort operating in a cross-functional environment with varying levels of supply chain maturity is essential.
What Success Looks Like in Year One
1.
Tolling inventory mapped, consumption underway, and transition roadmap actively executed
2.
Clean PO and supplier management workflows live in Business Central with measurable accuracy
3.
Supplier scorecard built and quarterly review cadence running with key partners
④
Purchasing function operating as a reliable, proactive partner to the business - not a bottleneck
Requirements
- 4-7 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain with demonstrated ability to build or improve purchasing processes - not just execute them.
- Experience with manufacturing, contract manufacturers, or CPG supply chains preferred.
- Microsoft Dynamics Business Central experience is a strong plus.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP/MRP systems.
- Experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing vendor performance.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills - able to translate purchasing details into clear updates for cross-functional partners and leadership.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-directed - comfortable owning a domain without a playbook.
- Energized by building systems and solving operational problems in ambiguous environments.
