Strategic Buyer

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Strategic Buyer to lead and manage end-to-end supplier relationships and procurement strategy within our German supply chain .

This role is responsible for ensuring supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance while supporting ramp-ups, new product introductions, and long-term growth.

1. Supplier Relationship Management
Own end-to-end relationship with key suppliers
Drive supplier performance (OTD, lead time, responsiveness)
Handle escalations and maintain strong executive alignment
2. Strategic Sourcing & Cost Management
Lead sourcing strategies and supplier selection
Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms
Monitor cost drivers, inflation, and perform benchmarking
Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives

3. Supply Chain Ownership & Planning Alignment
Align procurement strategy with forecast, ramp-ups, and lifecycle phases
Ensure material availability and minimize shortages
Define PO strategy and ordering policies

4. Capacity & Ramp-Up Readiness
Evaluate supplier capacity, manpower, and equipment readiness
Support NPI and production ramp-ups
5. Risk Management & Continuity
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (single source, geopolitical, financial, logistics)
Drive dual sourcing and resilience initiatives
6. Quotation & Cost Transparency (RPC Ownership)
Own RFQ/RPC processes
Validate quotations and cost breakdowns
Control tooling spend and approvals
7. Supplier Performance & Quality
Monitor supplier KPIs and conduct performance reviews
Drive improvements and corrective actions
8. Cross-Functional Leadership
Serve as focal point for Purchasing across:
Operations
Engineering
Planning
Quality
Finance
9. Commercial & Contract Management
Manage supplier agreements (LTAs, payment terms, INCOTERMS, liabilities)
Optimize commercial conditions and risk exposure

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience
B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field
3+ years of experience in strategic procurement / sourcing
Experience working with European (preferably German) suppliers
Strong negotiation and contract management skills
Solid understanding of supply chain and manufacturing environments
High proficiency in English (German – advantage)
Strong Analytical and Excel Skilla
Willingness to travel internationally up to 25%, primarily to Europe and Asia.
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking with strong execution capability
Excellent stakeholder management and communication
Data-driven decision making
Ability to manage ambiguity and complex supply environments
Strong problem-solving and project management skills

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [email protected] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.