Rapid Micro Biosystems
Senior Buyer / Planner
TLDR
Lead procurement and planning of direct materials in a biotech environment, driving cost-reduction initiatives and supplier negotiations to enable production and growth.
Winning the race to bring new healthcare products safely to a waiting world drives Rapid Micro Biosystems (RMB) to combine today’s innovative technologies as never before. Your career at RMB puts you at the center of diverse global teams that span robotics, AI, Machine Learning, imaging, microbiology, and more, re-shaping how urgently needed pharmaceuticals are made, tested, and released for decades to come. The sky’s the limit.
Careers at RMB are fast-moving, with the high growth you’d expect from a world leader in microbiology automation. Advancement at RMB affords an opportunity to achieve your personal goals and develop your passions, in an inclusive environment where every employee has the resources and opportunities to hone their skills. You’ll do more, learn more, and have the ability to make a profound impact on our business.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer/Planner to lead the procurement and planning of direct materials, including electrical, mechanical, and consumable components, within a biotech environment. This role is responsible not only for ensuring material availability but for actively driving cost-reduction initiatives, supplier negotiations, and continuous improvement across the supply base.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and comfortable owning purchase price variance (PPV), supplier strategy, and cross-functional cost-out efforts while supporting production and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Own procurement and planning for materials (electrical, mechanical, and consumables) supporting production
Lead supplier negotiations focused on purchase price reduction, lead time improvement, and commercial terms
Develop and execute cost-out initiatives, including should-cost analysis, resourcing, volume leverage, and design-for-cost collaboration
Actively manage PPV, identify trends, and implement corrective actions
Establish and maintain planning parameters (lead times, safety stock, MOQ) in the ERP/MRP system
Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality on supplier changes, alternate sourcing, and cost-reduction opportunities
Drive supplier performance through scorecards, reviews, and corrective action plans
Identify and mitigate supply risk while balancing inventory, service levels, and cost
Support compliance and documentation requirements in a regulated manufacturing environment
Mentor junior buyers/planners and contribute to best practices across the supply chain function
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in direct materials procurement and planning
- Demonstrated success driving cost reductions and supplier negotiations
- Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and planning logic (SAP)
- Experience managing electrical, mechanical, and/or consumable components
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence without authority
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
- Experience leading sourcing or resourcing initiatives
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP)
- Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities
Rapid Micro Biosystems is proud to offer a competitive total compensation package designed to attract, inspire and retain the best talent in our industry. In addition to base pay, our full-time regular employees are eligible for an attractive benefits package, cash incentive opportunities, and an equity grant.
The base annual salary hiring range for this position is $98,000 - $126,000.
ABOUT RAPID MICRO BIOSYSTEMS:
Rapid Micro Biosystems creates, sells, validates, and services innovative products for fast, accurate, and efficient detection of microbial contamination in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, biologics, biotechnology products, medical devices, and personal care products.
The company’s Growth Direct™—the first and only growth-based system to automate rapid compendial QC Micro testing—ensures data integrity, compliance, and operational efficiencies driven by rapid methods and automation.
Rapid Micro Biosystems is dedicated to providing groundbreaking technology and products to support companies in their journey to achieve greater reliability, efficiency, and better predictability, ultimately providing higher quality products for improved patient outcomes.
Rapid Micro Biosystems is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. Our research & development, and manufacturing operations are located in Lowell, Massachusetts. Additionally, we maintain field offices in Freising, Germany; Switzerland, and Singapore.
Equal Opportunity:
Rapid Micro Biosystems is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity. Applicants for employment and employees are reviewed on their individual qualifications for a position. Under no circumstances will Rapid Micro Biosystems discriminate against qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, mental illness, genetics, choice of health insurance, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.
Benefits
Equity Compensation
an equity grant
Cash incentive opportunities
Rapid Micro Biosystems develops and delivers advanced solutions for the rapid and accurate detection of microbial contamination in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices. Their flagship product, Growth Direct™, automates quality control micro-testing, enhancing data integrity and operational efficiency for companies aiming to improve product reliability and patient outcomes. With a focus on innovation, Rapid Micro Biosystems supports industries in achieving higher standards of quality through cutting-edge technology.
Senior Buyer