MRO Buyer

S

Silfab Solar

MRO Buyer

Fort Mill, SC
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    _ Job Summary_

    We are seeking a strategic MRO and CAPEX Buyer to join our leading solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing team in the U.S. This role will oversee end-to-end procurement for both Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MR&O) materials and Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) related to solar PV production equipment and facility upgrades. You will play a critical role in optimizing supply chains, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring cost-effective acquisition of both operational maintenance items and long-term capital assets across our two U.S. manufacturing sites.

    ** Essential Duties and Responsibilities**

    1. MR &O Procurement (Core Focus)

    • Source, evaluate, and manage suppliers for MRO materials (e.g., equipment spare parts, maintenance tools, safety supplies, lubricants, electrical components) specific to solar PV manufacturing equipment (e.g., wafer saws, thin-film deposition systems, testing machines).
    • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms to achieve cost savings and secure reliable supply chains for day-to-day maintenance needs.
    • Analyze historical usage data with maintenance teams to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and prevent production downtime.
    • Ensure compliance with safety standards (OSHA, NFPA), environmental regulations (EPA), and industry quality requirements (IEC standards).
    • Drive PR to PO process optimization activity

    2. CAPEX Procurement (Expanded Role)

    • Lead the procurement of capital assets, including new production equipment, facility upgrades, and technology systems (e.g., solar panel assembly lines, automation systems, energy storage solutions).
    • Collaborate with engineering, operations, and finance teams to define CAPEX requirements, develop RFPs/RFQs, and evaluate vendor proposals for large-scale purchases.
    • Negotiate long-term contracts, lease agreements, or financing options for CAPEX projects, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints and ROI objectives.
    • Manage vendor performance for CAPEX projects, including installation timelines, warranty terms, and post-purchase support.

    3. Cross-Functional Collaboration

    • Partner with maintenance, engineering, and finance teams to prioritize both urgent MR&O needs and strategic CAPEX initiatives.
    • Coordinate with logistics and legal teams to manage customs clearance, installation logistics, and contract compliance for imported equipment or materials.
    • Provide regular updates to leadership on procurement progress, cost variances, and risk mitigation strategies for both MR&O and CAPEX spend.

    4. Cost Optimization & Compliance

    • Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers for both MR&O and CAPEX categories, leveraging volume discounts and standardized contracts.
    • Ensure all procurement activities adhere to company policies, accounting standards (e.g., GAAP), and regulatory requirements (e.g., ITAR, EAR for imported equipment).
    • Prepare performance reports on cost savings, on-time delivery rates, and asset utilization for both operational and capital purchases.
  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

    ** Skills**

    • Expertise in both operational procurement (MRO) and capital asset acquisition, with knowledge of solar PV manufacturing equipment (e.g., cell production lines, testing facilities).
    • Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement tools (e.g., Ariba, Coupa) for inventory and CAPEX tracking.
    • Strong financial acumen to evaluate CAPEX proposals, ROI models, and depreciation strategies.
    • Exceptional negotiation skills and the ability to manage complex vendor relationships across multiple categories.

    ** Traits** ****

    • Strategic mindset with the ability to balance short-term maintenance needs with long-term capital investment goals.
    • Detail-oriented with advanced problem-solving skills for resolving supply chain disruptions or contractual issues.
    • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-growing renewable energy environment.

    ** Education and/or Experience** ****

    • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
    • 5+ years of combined experience in MR&O and CAPEX procurement, preferably in manufacturing (solar PV, semiconductor, or heavy industrial sectors strongly preferred).
    • Proven track record in managing high-value CAPEX projects ($500K+), including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and project coordination.

    Additional Information

    ** Compensation and Benefits**

    • Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
    • 401(k) Retirement Plan
    • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
    • Health Savings Account option
    • Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Tuition Reimbursement Program
    • Employee Recognition Programs
    • Employee PV Panel Purchase Program