Senior Buyer

About The Role Ballard’s Supply Chain Group has an immediate opening for a Senior Buyer.

This role serves as the primary commercial interface between Ballard and a portfolio of strategic global suppliers across complex and multi-category commodities. The position ensures reliable supply, optimized inventory, and competitive total cost structures across multiple manufacturing facilities and product lines.

You will be accountable for on-time delivery (OTD) of critical and technically complex materials while balancing supply risk, inventory turns, working capital, and total cost of ownership.

This role plays a key part in supporting both new product development and ongoing production of hydrogen fuel cell engines, working cross-functionally with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Operations, and Product Development in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the commercial lead and primary interface for assigned strategic global suppliers across complex and multi-category commodities
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to ensure supply continuity, competitive total cost of ownership, and long-term supplier performance
• Manage a diversified portfolio of technically complex materials to support both Program and Production objectives
• Drive On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance by reviewing ERP/MRP signals and demand forecasts, executing purchase orders, and optimizing inventory levels and working capital
• Negotiate and implement supply agreements, including pricing, payment terms, logistics terms, warranties, and risk allocation
• Lead cross-functional supplier selection activities, including RFQs, supplier audits, technical evaluations, and Supplier Scorecard performance reviews
• Maintain deep knowledge of supplier capabilities, capacity constraints, financial health, and geopolitical exposure
• Proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate potential supply interruptions or risks
• Partner with Product Development teams from early concept stages to assess cost drivers, manufacturability, supply risk, and feasibility
• Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement of procurement policies and governance

Qualifications & Experience

• Post-secondary degree in Engineering, Business, Commerce, or related discipline
• Professional procurement accreditation (e.g., CIPS, SCMP, CPSM) is preferred
• 6+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and/or senior purchasing roles
• Manufacturing experience in complex, engineered, or multi-component environments (automotive, industrial equipment, energy systems, or similar) is highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience managing global suppliers and technically complex commodities
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines
• Comfortable operating in a fast paced, changing environment

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
• Results-driven with a high sense of ownership and urgency
• Analytical and disciplined, with strong data integrity mindset
• Creative problem solver with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity
• Effective negotiator with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong verbal and written communication skills — clear, structured, and decisive

The typical hiring range for this position is $75,000 - $93,800. Ballard considers many factors in determining total compensation, including the successful Candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, experience, position location, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards offering, permanent employees in this position may be eligible for our competitive annual short-term and long-term bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.

As a Ballard employee, we want you to feel valued and appreciated for your efforts. That’s why we offer a competitive benefits package in addition to a performance-driven compensation philosophy. From bonuses to benefits, our people work hard, and we believe they should be rewarded for it. We care about career growth and development. We believe in work-life balance with tons of flexibility and rewarding benefits.

Extended health and dental benefits and employee assistance program

Paid time off

Retirement plan matching

Onsite fitness facility & yoga classes

Extensive learning opportunities, catalogue of development course offerings

People networks and mentorship programs (to name a few)

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have specific eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Our Values

Listen & Deliver | Quality. Always. | Inspire Excellence | Row Together | Own It

Ballard values diversity in the workplace and is committed to Employment Equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.