Lead Buyer

Position Objective

The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for the identification, qualification, and development of suppliers in China/Asia, with a strong focus on localizing European components and supporting engineering and development projects. The role is highly execution-driven and ensures availability, cost competitiveness, and technical compliance of sourced parts.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Identification & Sourcing Execution

• Identify, screen, and qualify new suppliers in China and Asia for mechanical and electrical components
• Execute RFQs, supplier comparisons and cost analyses
• Drive supplier selection processes in alignment with engineering and procurement

Localization of European Components

• Analyze existing European parts and identify localization opportunities in China/Asia
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure technical equivalence and compliance
• Coordinate sampling, testing, and qualification of localized components
• Track localization progress to achieve cost and supply chain improvements

Support to Engineering & Development Projects

• Act as sourcing partner for R&D and engineering teams
• Identify suppliers for prototypes, pilot builds and serial production
• Ensure fast response times and flexibility during early project phases

Supplier Qualification & Performance

• Conduct supplier evaluations, audits and capability assessments
• Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost)
• Resolve sourcing and supply issues with internal stakeholders

Negotiation & Commercial Handling

• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery conditions
• Ensure competitive and transparent cost structures

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with teams in Guangzhou and Feucht (Germany)
• Act as interface between European requirements and Asian supply markets

Required Qualifications

Professional Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in technical sourcing or procurement
• Experience in supplier sourcing within China
• Experience in component localization (Europe → Asia) is a strong advantage

Skills & Competencies

• Strong hands-on sourcing mindset
• Technical understanding of mechanical and/or electrical components
• Negotiation and supplier management skills
• Ability to work in a project-driven environment
• Analytical and problem-solving skills

Languages (Mandatory)

• Mandarin (fluent)
• English (fluent )

What Makes This Role Unique

• Strong operational sourcing focus
• Direct impact on supplier selection and cost structure
• Key role in building the Asian supplier base
• Close collaboration with international engineering teams

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to various export control regulations.  Applicants for these positions may be limited (by, for example, their countries of citizenship, country of origin, or immigration status) where required by law or governmental contact, and/or employment made contingent upon the issuance of appropriate governmental licensing.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.  MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [email protected] .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role