Associate Buyer - Advanced Tissue Models at Intuitive — Durham, NC

Primary Function of Position

• Executes transactional procurement activities for direct materials and components needed to support business requirements. This includes purchase order management, basic supplier communications, inventory review, and maintaining procurement records in SAP and related systems.
• Operates within established procedures and standards, relying on regular supervision and detailed instructions to ensure timely supply, alignment with operational objectives, and accurate data maintenance
• Assists with key procurement initiatives as directed by management.

Essential Job Duties

• Procurement Process Management
• Issues and manages purchase orders for raw materials and components to support production and inventory replenishment schedules.
• Processes procurement transactions in SAP and coordinates order confirmations with suppliers through collaboration portals (Ivalua, Agile).
• Maintains up-to-date records of all procurement transactions and supplier communications, executing basic data pulls and analyses in Excel.
• Supplier Collaboration and Performance Management
• Communicates order details, delivery expectations, and basic logistics needs with suppliers; promptly acknowledges confirmed POs and escalates delivery or quality concerns as instructed.
• Supports monitoring of supplier KPIs for delivery accuracy (OTD/OTIF) and follows up on straightforward issues under guidance.
• Prepares clear notes and documentation for meetings, acting on assigned items with supervision.
• Risk Management
• Identifies and escalates supply risks when directed, based on straightforward data review and standard processes.
• Assists with root cause analysis basics for recurring supply/logistics issues and supports management in executing solutions.
• Supports SIOP processes by providing required data input without independent interpretation
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Works closely with quality, operations, and engineering teams to execute basic updates related to material master and engineering change orders under detailed instruction.
• Shadows peers and uses feedback to develop understanding of the procurement function and internal/external stakeholder relationships.
• Tracks own activities reliably, seek feedback for improvement, and contributes to straightforward process tasks

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience in executing purchase orders, maintaining accurate procurement records, and tracking routine supplier communications using ERP systems (SAP, Ivalua preferred).
• Basic analytical ability in Excel (data pulls, sorting, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, IF formulas).
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities; skilled at actively listening and presenting information in a clear and professional manner.
• Ability to organize, manage time independently, and receive feedback constructively.

Required Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree or +1 year of previous professional experience required.

Working Conditions

• Minimal travel (10%) to suppliers may be required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with MS Office Suite and ERP environments such as SAP, Agile.
• Interest in Lean & Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Tableau).
• Experience supporting procurement or supply chain activity in manufacturing or regulated environments.
• Demonstrates concern for precision and thoroughness.
• Track record of reliability, teamwork, and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Proven ability to learn new processes and systems quickly as well as achieve stretch goals and objectives.

Mandatory Notices