Supply Chain Specialist

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

The Buyer is responsible for end-to-end supplier execution and material readiness for assigned commodities and suppliers supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Engineering, and Production programs.

The role focuses on supplier performance management, risk mitigation, shortage prevention, delivery execution, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure uninterrupted supply and successful program execution.

The Buyer serves as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers, driving supplier commitments, escalations, corrective actions, and recovery plans while proactively identifying and mitigating supply chain risks. In addition, the Buyer leads coordination and management of the HCL procurement support team to ensure timely execution of transactional purchasing activities, SAP updates, reporting, supplier onboarding, and purchase order processing.

Stakeholder Communication & Program Support

Provide clear and proactive updates regarding supplier status, risks, shortages, and mitigation plans.

Support NPI and engineering programs by ensuring timely procurement and supplier readiness.

Participate in cross-functional reviews and program meetings.

Prepare executive-level supply chain risk updates and status reports.

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Ownership & Supply Assurance

Own supplier relationships for assigned suppliers and commodities.

Lead supplier communications, performance reviews, escalations, and corrective action plans.

Develop and execute supplier recovery plans for delivery, quality, capacity, and lead-time challenges.

Drive supplier commitments and ensure alignment with production and program requirements.

Conduct regular supplier meetings and document actions, owners, and closure dates.

Material Readiness & Risk Management:

Monitor material availability, open orders, and supplier commitments to prevent shortages and production disruptions.

Maintain a proactive risk assessment process and identify supply risks several weeks ahead of demand.

Develop mitigation plans including pull-ins, alternate sourcing, inventory strategies, and schedule alignment.

Coordinate risk resolution with Planning, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations.

Operational Procurement Oversight

Provide direction and priorities to the HCL back-office procurement team.

Monitor execution and SLA compliance for:

Open requisition extraction (ME5A/eProcure)

Purchase order creation and maintenance

STO, MSR, Standard and Expense PO processing

Supplier confirmations

Open order and past due management

Vendor onboarding activities

SAP master data updates

AP issue resolution and payment support

Documentation management (VMR, specifications)

GR completion and transactional procurement support

Review operational metrics and ensure timely closure of transactional activities.

HCL Team Management & Governance

Act as the focal point and business owner for HCL procurement support services.

Define priorities, workload allocation, and escalation paths for HCL resources.

Conduct regular operational reviews with HCL to ensure service-level compliance and performance targets are achieved.

Monitor and improve execution of daily and weekly procurement reports.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives and process standardization between internal stakeholders and HCL support teams.

Escalate recurring operational issues and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and service quality.

Systems & Process Management

Utilize SAP, ENOVIA, eQuality, BI dashboards, and procurement tools to manage supplier execution and business performance.

Support ECO implementation, supplier change management, and non-conformance resolution activities.

Track and analyze supplier performance KPIs including OTD, aging, lead-time performance, and delivery adherence

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in Semiconductor, Electronics Manufacturing, High-Tech, or Industrial Manufacturing environments.

Strong supplier management, negotiation, and escalation management skills.

Experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Familiarity with SAP, ERP systems, ENOVIA, PLM systems, and supply chain analytics tools.

Experience managing outsourced procurement or shared-service organizations.

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.

Minimum 5 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Materials Management, or Supplier Management.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years;OR equivalent work experience

Base Pay Range: $90,500.00 - $153,900.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.comor at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers websitefor legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.