MRO Buyer

Making a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.

At Silfab Solar, the energy of our people is the power behind our success. Our employees actively shape the solar innovations of tomorrow, while adhering to the highest ethical operating standards and promoting a respectful and safe workplace for our diverse workforce.

Our state-of-the art facilities in the US and Canada engineer and design the latest generation of solar products and utilize advanced manufacturing technology to produce high-efficiency PV cells and modules intended to outperform the market. As a profitable and rapidly expanding company in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the renewable energy industry, Silfab provides you with an incredible opportunity to build your career and contribute to a sustainable future. We are committed to investing in our employees, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and professional growth. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but more importantly, we offer you the ability to make a real difference in the world.

Together we can create a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.

Job Description

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

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

• 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