Senior Staff Material Buyer/Planner

Material Buyer/Planner

As a Material Buyer/Planner at Boston Dynamics, you will play a crucial role in managing our procurement processes to ensure that materials are available consistently with our production needs. Every day you will oversee all purchase orders as we build the world's most advanced robots. You will work closely with various teams to manage inventory issues, schedule changes, and cancellations. Your ability to identify cost-saving opportunities, maintain organization, and communicate effectively with a team-oriented approach will be essential for success in this role.

Boston Dynamics is a world leader in mobile robots, tackling some of the toughest robotics challenges. For years, our awe-inspiring viral videos on YouTube have shown the world what remarkably capable robots can do. Now we are quickly becoming a recognized leader in automation solutions for industrial applications, logistics and warehouses.

Responsibilities

Material Management

• Ensure timely execution of Purchase Orders and all related activities (e.g., due date management, receiving issue resolution, quantity/revision updates).
• Review forecasts and production plans and generate/manage purchase orders to ensure a consistent and adequate supply of materials.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain Managers to input purchase requisitions to sustain continuous production.
• Track changes in business needs and adjust order quantities to accommodate business fluctuations.

Supplier and Inventory Coordination

• Work closely with Supplier Quality Engineers and Supply Chain Managers to ensure materials are sourced from approved suppliers, meet specifications, and adhere to quality standards.
• Schedule and track the supply and delivery of materials to ensure timely delivery, preparing regular reports on order statuses and supplier performance.

Data Analysis & Process Optimization

• Conduct ad-hoc data analysis to support procurement decisions and optimize material planning.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and procurement process documentation.
• Recommend and implement cost-saving opportunities and process improvements across the supply chain.
• Maintain and update analytical tools and reporting dashboards to track performance metrics and KPIs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication

• Participate in design reviews, supplier meetings, and cross-functional planning sessions.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers to resolve issues and ensure alignment with production needs.
• Provide feedback on supplier performance and work on continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the management of Last Time Buy components, including allocation and sale to contract manufacturers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related technical field - or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in material purchasing/planning preferably in a robotics or high-tech environment.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing based business
• Proven experience with MPR/ERP systems and understanding of planning and purchasing functions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and sub-tier suppliers.
• Understanding of Lean principles and experience in an ISO 9001 or similar quality management environment.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel/ Google Sheets, MRP/ERP systems, Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills with a 'team first' mentality and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas for this position.