Join us on the journey to help build the world using applied robotics and AI!

Novarc Technologies is a full-stack robotics company helping to build the world using applied robotics and AI. Recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Americas by the Financial Times for two consecutive years, we are at the epicenter of innovation and global expansion. Join our dynamic team as we extend our reach across four continents, blending pioneering welding technology with a profound global impact. It's a captivating time to be part of our journey – here, you'll do more than just work; you'll be an integral part of a movement shaping the tech-driven future.

Novarc Technologies is looking for a highly motivated Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team, supporting the production of cutting-edge robotics. This is a full-time contract position to cover maternity leave.

Summary: As a Senior Buyer you will be responsible for the strategic sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of materials, components, and services to reduce total cost of ownership, mitigate supply chain risk, and ensure quality and delivery standards are met. This role requires a strong background in supply chain management, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex relationships while identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a strong team-player, capable of working collaboratively across various departments to achieve strategic goals.

• Position: Senior Buyer (Contract)

• Type: Full-Time Contract

• Schedule: Monday to Friday

• Location: Burnaby, BC

• Hybrid work options may be available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage relationships with new and existing suppliers. Conduct regular supplier performance reviews, audits, and business reviews to drive continuous improvement.

• Negotiation & Contracts: Identify cost-saving opportunities and lead negotiations for pricing, payment terms, lead times, inventory ownership, and quality standards to achieve Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reductions. Draft, review, and manage contracts to ensure compliance and protect the company's interests.

• Order Management: Process and manage Purchase Orders (POs) efficiently, ensuring on-time delivery (OTD) for both internal and external manufacturing lines.

• Inventory Optimization: Manage material planning (MRP) and procurement to support internal production schedules and material needs of outsourced contract manufacturing, while ensuring optimal inventory levels (minimizing excess and obsolete inventory).

• Risk Management: Proactively monitor and mitigate supply chain risks, including geopolitical instability, capacity constraints, obsolescence (EOL), and quality issues. Develop alternative sourcing strategies for critical components.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely and support Logistics, Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Operations, Finance, and Quality Assurance teams to understand requirements and demands to ensure seamless material flow.

• Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant Canadian/BC regulations, including trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CETA). Champion and integrate sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.

• Mentorship: Provide guidance and support to junior members of the procurement team.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years of progressive experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, ideally within a high-tech manufacturing environment.

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP (preferably NetSuite) systems and Google Suite.

• Proven ability to read and understand technical specifications, blueprints, and engineering documentation.

• Proven track record of successful negotiation with domestic and international suppliers.

• Exceptional communication, collaboration, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Nice to have:

• APICS accredited certification, such as SCMP, CSCP, CPP.

• Experience in procurement in welding, robotics, automation, or R&D based operations.

• Deep understanding of the Canadian sourcing environment and working knowledge of international logistics infrastructure

• Demonstrated experience in implementing sustainable or green procurement initiatives.

About Novarc Technologies:

Novarc Technologies is a full-stack robotics company specializing in the design and manufacturing of cobots and AI-based machine vision solutions for autonomous welding. Novarc’s Spool Welding Robot (SWR) is the world’s first of its kind in pipe welding applications. As a proven pioneer in the field, Novarc’s team is dedicated to solving challenging welding automation problems that improve customers’ bottom line.

Why Novarc:

• Growing Opportunities - We are in the process of maturing into a fast-growing medium-sized business.

• Great place to be - We foster an open-minded, fun, and adventurous environment where curiosity and team bonding are highly encouraged.

• Best People - Our team is made up of talented, intelligent, and hardworking people.

• Lots of Opportunities - We are constantly looking for stand-out talent internally to move into leadership positions.

We are excited to invite you to join our growing team for this amazing journey!

"Novarc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, national or ethnic origin, color, political belief, marital or family status, religion, special abilities, age, sex or sexual orientation, or a criminal conviction or charge that is unrelated to employment of to the intended employment of that person. This applies to all our practices of recruitment, selection, promotion, training and development, health and safety, and compensation.”