Senior Buyer

Company Description

Founded in 1995, Promation is a leading integrator and manufacturer of high-quality tooling, automation, and robotic systems in Oakville, Ontario. We deliver custom equipment and turnkey systems globally, from assembly to vision inspection systems, to provide the best automation solutions. Our dedicated team of PLC designers and engineering professionals ensure top-notch products and services, supported by the Nuclear, Automation, and Industrial divisions.

Role Description

The Senior Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating pricing, and purchasing a broad range of commercial components, raw materials, and subcontracted services required to support the successful and timely completion of projects in a cost-effective, efficient, and economical manner. This role also supports procurement activities for Promation’s Machine Shop.

The Senior Buyer maintains accurate procurement records, documentation, and tracking systems, and proactively communicates order status, risks, and issues to all relevant internal stakeholders. The role plays a key part in supplier management, process improvement initiatives, and cost savings programs.

The Senior Buyer is expected to provide functional guidance, knowledge sharing, and informal support to Junior or new buyers as needed.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

• Source, negotiate, and purchase materials, components, and services in alignment with project requirements, quality standards, and budget targets.
• Act as an agent for the company to procure goods and services at the most favorable cost and commercial terms while maintaining required quality standards.
• Support procurement activities related to Promation’s Machine Shop, including raw materials and subcontracted services.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, documentation, and tracking systems for purchase orders and related transactions.
• Communicate order status, delivery timelines, and issues to internal stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
• Study and Understand the Quality Requirements as per Promation's QAP and Procedures and apply to all aspects of the purchasing function.

Vendor Management & Control

• Identify potential suppliers and actively assess, recommend, and help maintain the Approved Suppliers List.
• Monitor supplier performance indicators, including delivery, quality, responsiveness, and pricing.
• Liaise between suppliers, service providers, and internal departments to resolve issues and support operational needs.
• Promote and maintain strong, professional business relationships with vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Participate in or conduct annual supplier reviews, including analysis of past spend volumes and negotiation of blanket discounts or preferred pricing where applicable.

Process Improvement & Cost Savings

• Review current procurement processes and procedures and recommend improvements to reduce process time, cost, and resource inputs while maintaining procurement integrity and controls.
• Assess value-added versus non-value-added procurement activities and support reassignment or optimization of responsibilities where appropriate.
• Prepare and present data-driven proposals and supporting evidence for cost savings initiatives related to direct and indirect expenditures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide functional guidance, mentorship, and onboarding support to Junior or new Buyers as required.
• Share best practices, market knowledge, and procurement expertise within the team to support overall capability development.

Other

• Perform other procurement-related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Commerce, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–10 years of progressive purchasing or procurement experience, within a manufacturing, industrial, or project-based environment.
• Demonstrated experience with supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and vendor performance management.
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen – Effectively negotiates pricing and terms while balancing cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills – Communicates clearly with internal teams and suppliers to align expectations and resolve issues.
• Analytical and cost-focused mindset – Uses data and spend analysis to support sound purchasing decisions and cost-saving opportunities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment – Organizes work effectively while responding to changing priorities and timelines.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy – Ensures accuracy of purchase orders, records, and ERP data.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solution-oriented approach – Works constructively with cross-functional teams to identify issues and implement practical solutions.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Participation in our Retirement Saving Plan & Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan.
• Ongoing opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Exciting and unique projects to grow and develop your career!
• A flexible and supportive work environment.

This job posting is for an active, existing vacancy within our organization. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, colour, religious creed, ethnic origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Salary range: $85,000 - $100,000