Strategic Category Buyer - Electrical Components

About the role

KLA is looking for an expert Strategic Buyer to lead sourcing and supplier management across a portfolio of electrical components and assemblies. Working with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain teams, the role develops sourcing strategies that support business growth, supply chain resilience and commercial success, and presents recommendations to senior leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for electrical components and assemblies, including PCB assemblies, power supplies, cables, motors, sensors, box builds and associated technologies.
• Own strategic supplier relationships and drive improvements in cost, quality, delivery, capacity and service.
• Lead RFQ and RFP activities, commercial negotiations and contract discussions.
• Analyse supplier cost structures, inflation trends, labour rates, utility costs and market data.
• Present sourcing strategies, supplier performance reviews and business recommendations to leadership.
• Drive cost reduction, value engineering and continuous improvement, and develop commodity strategies aligned to business objectives and product roadmaps.
• Identify, evaluate and qualify new suppliers, and partner with Engineering on new product introductions and supplier development.
• Supervise supplier performance through metrics, business reviews and corrective action plans.
• Conduct supply chain risk analysis and mitigate capacity constraints, sole-source dependencies, market volatility and component obsolescence.
• Support supplier audits, quality improvement and regulatory compliance, and keep supplier, pricing and contract data accurate in ERP and MRP systems.
• Travel within the UK and occasionally internationally, including to the United States.

Required profile

• Significant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or commodity management in an electrical, electronics, engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business, Engineering, Logistics or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• CIPS or MCIPS qualification desirable but not crucial.
• Outstanding negotiation and commercial leadership skills, able to influence partners up to senior leadership and present sourcing strategies confidently.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Required skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Experience using SAP or a comparable ERP platform.

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefits package, including an annual bonus linked to personal objectives.
• Career development opportunities and regular interaction with senior leadership.
• Occasional domestic and international travel, including to the United States.