About the role

AI summarised

The Buyer/Planner at KLA is responsible for purchasing direct materials, components, and equipment driven by MRP or re-order point systems. This role ensures timely material availability for production, drives gross margin improvements through supplier negotiations and localization, and works to reduce materials lead time and excess inventory. The position requires collaboration with suppliers and internal teams to maintain supply chain efficiency and accuracy in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.

EquipmentOnsite

Key Responsibilities

Purchase direct materials, components and equipment as driven by MRP system or Re-order Point system
Review and analyze planning report to ensure timely materials availability for production
Drive Gross Margin Improvements through negotiations or localization with supplier on pricing, rework cost and minimizing expediting cost and purchase price variance
Responsible for materials lead time reduction by getting suppliers to improve cycle time, negotiating on hedges and VMI program
Ensure timely PO execution and address supplier’s quality, capacity, materials issues that may affect supply
Communicate with suppliers for early or delayed deliveries as required, drive suppliers to meet on time delivery
Active participation on business review with suppliers and provide constructive feedback to help suppliers to improve their scores
Ensure accuracy and timeliness of claims from suppliers on ECO and EOM projects
Timely review and execute on ECN and ECO changes so that production is not affected
Develop actions to minimize excess inventory
Work with Inventory Analyst by providing recommendation during quarterly E&ND review
Drive to improve inventory turns by having quick execution on MRB and quick returns on RTV
Quarterly review of safety stock to ensure an optimal balance of supply vs inventory turns

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or equivalent
Typically 2–5 years of related industry experience, often within semiconductor or high-tech manufacturing
Strong proficiency in ERP systems (MRP)
Negotiation skills
Analytical capabilities for inventory management