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NexWafe · 2 months ago

Strategic Purchaser (m/f/d)

United States

Full-time, Contract

Remote

Senior Level

5+ years exp

NexWafe is developing a pioneering process to produce silicon wafers with fewer process steps, resulting in significant savings in production costs, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions. The Strategic Purchaser will manage procurement activities, liaise with engineering, and support sourcing strategies to achieve company-wide objectives.

EnergyIndustrial EngineeringManufacturingSolar

Responsibilities

Ensure relevant procurement activities are managed end-to-end—from understanding downstream needs to supporting related aftermarket activities

Drive early and late-stage procurement involvement in strategically important development projects, as well as in sourcing materials and components

Lead procurement project management activities

Act as a key interface between the engineering department, purchasing, and suppliers

Identify, assess, select, and develop suppliers in collaboration with technical, project, and quality teams

Process orders for technically complex requirements, ensuring control over cost, timeline, and quality

Critically review procurement processes, identify gaps, and initiate improvement measures

Develop, align, and present sourcing strategies in coordination with the line manager and internal stakeholders for the assigned scope of work

Qualification

Strategic purchasingSupplier negotiationCategory managementProject managementProactive personalitySolution-focused attitudeResilienceFluent in EnglishFluent in GermanTeam-oriented mindsetCommunicationRelationship-building skills

Required

Commercial or technical degree, ideally complemented by an MBA or a comparable qualification

Minimum of 5 years' experience as a Strategic Purchaser —preferably in semiconductors, silicon wafers, photovoltaics, electronics, high-tech products, or industrial coating systems

Proven expertise in managing purchasing projects, including milestone tracking, process implementation, and category management

Ability to read and understand technical drawings and complex specifications

Experience negotiating with capital equipment vendors, as well as suppliers of raw materials and chemicals

Strong relationship-building skills with suppliers, enabling creative negotiation approaches and improved delivery timelines

Team-oriented mindset with resilience, a structured approach, and a solution-focused attitude

Proactive and self-driven personality

Excellent communication skills in both English and German