Buyer

Since 2003, SparkFun has been helping turn ideas into reality – whether you’re creating a smart weather station, exploring the frontier of machine learning, building a robot for school or prototyping your first (or tenth) product. No matter your vision or skill level, our open source components, resources and online tutorials are designed to broaden access to innovative technology and make the road to a finished project shorter.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. SparkFun offers an abundance of opportunities to learn new skills from other Funions, in addition to many other benefits and perks.

The Buyer is ultimately responsible for ensuring that SparkFun has the materials and products it needs to function on a day-to-day basis. Buyers are responsible for managing assigned suppliers, negotiating prices and terms with new and existing suppliers, placing purchase orders, monitoring those purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery and quality of the products, and finding the best new suppliers, as needed. This position ensures parts are procured in an organized, efficient, and cost-effective manner. 

• Review key Supply Chain metrics before building purchase orders (POs), including inventory levels, run rates, safety stock levels, etc. 

• Research and identify new and/or existing potential suppliers that meet the company's needs and standards for each product assigned to the Buyer 

• Compare and evaluate offers from different suppliers and select the most suitable ones 

• Negotiate prices, lead times, margins, terms, product lifecycle information, and conditions of contracts and agreements with suppliers 

• Ensure that the purchased goods and services meet the specifications and quality standards of the company 

• Place purchase orders and monitor their status and progress 

• Schedule purchases to minimize shipping cost, minimize the number of overall shipments, and maximize in-stock rate 

• Coordinate with other departments, such as production, account management, customer support, marketing, and finance, to ensure smooth operations, timely receipt of goods, and customer satisfaction 

• Maintain and update records of purchases, deliveries, invoices, and payments 

• Ensure internal ERP is updated with the most recent information regarding ETAs, prices, lead times, etc. 

• Resolve any issues or problems that may arise with suppliers or deliveries 

• Experience as a buyer, purchasing agent, or a similar role in the industry 

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate across different cultures 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills 

• Proficiency in Google’s Suite of Products, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, GMail, G-Chat, etc  

• Knowledge of the market trends, products, and assigned suppliers 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• Attention to detail, accuracy, and organization 

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing needs and demands 

Preferred Skills

• Strong fundamental math skills 

• Advanced spreadsheet skills (Excel, Google Sheets) 

• Experience researching suppliers and electronic components 

• Familiarity with SQL query creation and modification 

• Experience working with import/logistics companies to manage ocean/air freight shipments 

• Willingness to learn about basic electronics & SparkFun’s products

At SparkFun, we ask a lot of our employees, and that’s why we give so much in return. Here are just some of the benefits:

• Competitive salary ($56,485 = annual salary)
• Medical/dental/vision plan
• Matching 401(k)
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy
• A casual dress code for you
• Dogs - yes, we bring dogs to work
• Full gym with climbing wall. If that’s not your style we offer a monthly gym stipend or onsite yoga
• We have a great employee discount and opportunities to create and share content with the SparkFun community
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid time to volunteer
• EcoPass (public transportation pass)
• Summer BBQs, work parties, and more!