Tactical Buyer

Description

DriveNets is a leader in high-scale networking software for AI infrastructure and service providers. The company pioneered a disaggregated networking architecture that transforms the economics of large-scale networks while maximizing performance, utilization, and operational efficiency. DriveNets-powered networks are deployed by global leaders, including AT&T and Comcast, supporting more than 30% of total U.S. internet traffic. DriveNets AI Fabric delivers full-stack networking for AI infrastructures, providing the highest-performance, Ethernet-based alternative to InfiniBand. The solution is deployed by hyperscalers, NeoClouds, and enterprises worldwide. With over $1B raised, DriveNets continues to push the boundaries of modern networking infrastructure.

About the role

The Tactical Buyer is responsible for supporting the company's day-to-day procurement activities by ensuring the timely availability of materials and components required for production and business operations. The role focuses on purchase order management, supplier follow-up, delivery expediting, shortage resolution, and procurement of off-the-shelf components, while maintaining close coordination with Planning, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams.

Key Responsibilities

Purchase Order Management

• Generate and manage purchase orders based on business requirements.
• Monitor open purchase orders from placement through delivery and receipt.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date information within the ERP system.
• Obtain quotations and evaluate suppliers based on lead-time, availability, and cost.
• Manage order changes, reschedules, and supplier confirmations.

Delivery Expediting & Supply Assurance

• Proactively follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Expedite critical orders and resolve potential delays before they impact deliveries.
• Escalate supply risks and work closely with suppliers to implement corrective actions.
• Maintain visibility of critical shortages and recovery plans.

Supplier Management

• Maintain regular communication with suppliers and distributors.
• Monitor supplier performance related to delivery reliability and responsiveness.
• Support negotiations related to lead times and commercial terms.
• Foster strong supplier relationships to improve service and flexibility.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Planning, Material Management, Logistics, Warehouse, and Manufacturing teams.
• Provide regular updates on material status, shortages, and supply risks.
• Support production schedules by ensuring material availability.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Procurement, Tactical Buying.
• Experience working in a hardware company is required.
• Experience managing suppliers and purchase orders in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with ERP systems.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in the optics and/or cabling industry is a significant advantage.
• Experience working within a global supply chain environment.
• Experience supporting high-mix, technology-driven manufacturing operations.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of procurement and supply chain processes.
• Excellent follow-up and expediting skills.
• Strong communication and supplier management abilities.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.

Personal Competencies

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to drive suppliers and internal stakeholders toward timely execution..

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Tactical Buyer with strong supplier management and expediting skills, capable of ensuring material availability and supporting uninterrupted production through proactive procurement execution.