Kepler Communications

Technical Buyer

Kepler Communications$94K — $119K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Business Administration
  • 3+ years of experience in supply chain management or engineering roles
  • Direct experience sourcing medium-to-high complexity electro-mechanical and electrical components
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes related to mechanical or electrical components
  • Experience using ERP, Procurement, or MRP systems
  • Ability to assess sourcing and programmatic risks

Responsibilities

  • Define and implement supply chain strategies for satellite programs
  • Lead new product introduction activities for complex components
  • Manage supplier sourcing for spacecraft subsystems
  • Identify and manage supply chain risks and develop contingency plans
  • Optimize supplier selection through cost and risk evaluations
  • Maintain procurement plans and manage procurement activities across programs
  • Support manufacturing readiness and operations coordination through reviews

Benefits

  • Flexible working hours
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth
  • Collaborative work environment
  • Contributions to innovative space technologies
  • Seasonal team-building activities
  • Health and wellness initiatives
Full Job Description
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

  • Execute day-to-day purchasing activities in support of Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Test, Logistics, and corporate functions
  • Process purchase requests, obtain supplier quotations, evaluate pricing and lead times, and issue purchase orders in a timely manner


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


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


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


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


  • Coordinate supplier onboarding activities and maintain approved supplier documentation


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


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


Operations & Cross-Functional Support

  • Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, Program Management, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to understand purchasing priorities and material requirements
  • Respond quickly to changing priorities and urgent procurement requests in a fast-paced environment


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


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


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


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


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


  • Support production issue resolution related to supplier performance or material availability


Systems & Continuous Improvement

  • Maintain accurate procurement, supplier, inventory, and ERP records
  • Support inventory replenishment, material tracking, and inventory management activities
  • Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency, supplier responsiveness, and procurement processes
  • Support the implementation and continuous improvement of procurement systems, workflows, reporting, and automation initiatives
  • Contribute to process standardization and best practices across the Supply Chain function
  • Maintain a high level of urgency, accuracy, and customer service while managing multiple competing priorities


Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or diploma in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 2+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing or fast-paced operational environment
  • Experience processing purchase orders, obtaining supplier quotations, and managing supplier deliveries
  • Strong understanding of purchasing processes, order management, and supplier coordination
  • Experience using ERP/MRP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and Microsoft Excel
  • Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing business needs, and meet tight deadlines
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Finance, and other business functions
  • Customer-focused mindset with a sense of urgency and a proactive approach to problem-solving
  • Experience expediting suppliers, resolving delivery issues, and coordinating with internal stakeholders to maintain material availability
  • Experience in Aerospace, Defense, Space, Electronics, Robotics, high-tech manufacturing, or a regulated industry is considered an asset


Bonus Points:

  • Experience supporting NPI and production programs
  • Familiarity with supplier quality processes and corrective action management
  • Experience working with complex electromechanical assemblies and long-lead components
  • Familiarity with supplier quality processes, corrective actions, and supplier performance management
  • Professional supply chain certification (SCMP, CPSM, CSCP, APICS, or equivalent)
  • CIPS - Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS or FCIPS)


Salary Range: $94,363 - 119,363 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

About Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications is a satellite telecommunications provider that is building a global network of satellites to provide connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) and other data services. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Kepler's satellites are designed to provide low-cost, high-bandwidth connectivity to remote and underserved areas around the world. The company's technology is also being used to track ships and other vessels at sea, as well as to monitor environmental conditions and natural disasters. Kepler has partnerships with a number of companies and organizations, including the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and the United Nations.
Learn more about Kepler Communications
Size
50 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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