Senior Specialist I, Purchasing

About the role

Step into a career with ASM, where cutting edge technology meets collaborative culture.

For over 55 years ASM has been ahead of what's next, at the forefront of innovation and what's technologically possible. With more than 4,500 ASMers representing 70 nationalities, our people and our advanced semiconductor devices are playing a crucial role in trends such as 5G, cloud computing, AI, and autonomous driving. But we're more than just a tech company. We value diversity, inclusion and sustainability as we strive to make a positive impact on the world. Our development programs help support your growth, shaping your future and pushing the boundaries of innovation to unleash potential.

Job's mission

As a Senior Buyer, you will ensure the uninterrupted supply of critical direct materials that enable manufacturing operations to meet customer demand, production goals, and business growth objectives. This role serves as a strategic link between suppliers and internal stakeholders, driving supplier performance, mitigating supply risks, and supporting key initiatives such as new product introductions, manufacturing ramp-ups, and product transfers. Through data-driven decision making, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement, you will help build a resilient, efficient, and scalable supply chain.

What you will be working on

• Manage the purchasing of direct materials to support production requirements, customer demand, and long-term supply continuity.
• Create, issue, confirm, reschedule, and cancel purchase orders while ensuring alignment with business priorities, inventory strategies, and supply commitments.
• Lead supplier performance management activities to ensure material availability, delivery reliability, and achievement of key business objectives.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate supply risks through supplier engagement, contingency planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Serve as the primary purchasing lead for product transfers, manufacturing ramp-ups, and new product introduction activities to ensure uninterrupted material supply.
• Resolve complex supplier invoice discrepancies, goods receipt issues, and supply-related escalations in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Analyze supplier performance metrics and develop corrective action plans to drive continuous improvements in on-time delivery, responsiveness, and quality.
• Lead material expediting efforts and coordinate recovery plans with suppliers to address critical shortages and production impacts.
• Develop, implement, and optimize supply flexibility programs, including safety stock strategies, vendor-managed inventory (VMI), and other inventory optimization initiatives.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships that support operational excellence, long-term business growth, and risk mitigation objectives.
• Partner closely with planning, sourcing, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and project management teams to resolve complex supply chain challenges.
• Lead supply chain reviews, production meetings, and cross-functional project discussions related to assigned commodities, suppliers, and business initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process gaps, implementing best practices, and enhancing purchasing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior purchasing team members while promoting knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Support sourcing and supplier development initiatives, including capacity planning, supplier assessments, and business continuity planning activities.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain management, or a related field.
• Extensive experience managing direct materials in a manufacturing environment, preferably supporting complex supply chains.
• Advanced proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems, with demonstrated experience leveraging system data for decision-making.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, including data analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and make sound business decisions with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of supply chain planning, inventory management, material flow concepts, and supply risk management.
• Experience managing supplier escalations and driving corrective actions to achieve measurable business results.
• Willingness to travel as required.

What sets you apart

• Experience within the semiconductor, electronics, or high-tech manufacturing industry.
• Experience leading product transfers, new product introductions, capacity expansions, or manufacturing ramp activities.
• Proven track record of driving measurable improvements in supplier performance, delivery reliability, and supply continuity.
• Experience developing and implementing inventory optimization strategies, safety stock programs, VMI solutions, and other supply flexibility initiatives.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing supply chains, supplier ecosystems, and market dynamics.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects and influencing outcomes across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience utilizing data analytics and performance metrics to drive purchasing and supply chain improvements.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience implementing process enhancements that improve efficiency, reduce risk, and deliver business value.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop less experienced team members while contributing to a high-performance team culture.

Apply today to be part of what's next.

We make the tech that enables the chips in devices which improve lives around the world. We do this with an eye to the future, pushing the boundaries of what's possible through cutting-edge innovation, and driving the next wave of technological breakthroughs that shape how we live, work, and connect.

To learn more about ASM, find us at asm.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.