Capital Equipment Sourcing & Procurement Director

We are seeking an experienced Director of Capital Equipment Sourcing & Procurement to lead the strategy, negotiation, and execution of all capital equipment purchases across the organization. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for millions of dollars in annual capital spend, supplier relationships, and the processes that ensure equipment is delivered on time, at the right cost, and to the right specification.

You will partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Facilities to translate technical requirements into sourcing strategies, manage a portfolio of equipment vendors, and drive cost savings and risk reduction across the capital equipment lifecycle - from specification through installation and warranty support.

Key Responsibilities

• Sourcing Strategy: Develop and execute category strategies for capital equipment (e.g., production/manufacturing equipment, lab/test equipment, tooling) aligned with business growth plans and capital budgets.
• Supplier Management: Identify, qualify, and manage a global supplier base; negotiate pricing, terms, warranties, and service agreements; build long-term strategic partnerships with key OEMs and equipment vendors.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work directly with Engineering and Operations teams to define technical specifications, evaluate vendor proposals, and ensure equipment selections meet performance, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead complex negotiations for capital equipment purchases, including pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, installation/commissioning support, spare parts, and service level agreements.
• Capital Budget Ownership: Partner with Finance to build, track, and manage the capital equipment budget; provide forecasting, spend analysis, and ROI justification for major purchases.
• Risk & Compliance: Manage supply risk (single-source exposure, lead times, geopolitical/tariff exposure) and ensure procurement activities comply with company policy, export controls, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Process & Systems: Build and continuously improve procurement processes, approval workflows, and sourcing playbooks; leverage procurement/ERP systems for visibility and reporting.
• Team Leadership: Hire, mentor, and manage a team of buyers/sourcing specialists as the function scales (if applicable).
• Vendor Performance: Establish KPIs and scorecards to track supplier performance on cost, quality, delivery, and after-sales support; drive corrective actions where needed.
• Cost Savings: Identify and deliver measurable cost reduction, cost avoidance, and total-cost-of-ownership improvements across the capital equipment portfolio.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, with at least 3-5 years focused specifically on capital equipment.
• Proven track record negotiating large, complex capital equipment contracts.
• Strong technical fluency - able to read equipment specifications and engage credibly with engineering teams on technical trade-offs.
• Deep understanding of the capital equipment lifecycle: RFQ/RFP processes, vendor qualification, contract structuring, installation/commissioning, and warranty management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the organization.
• Experience managing capital budgets and building cost justification/ROI models.

Preferred

• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing, contract manufacturing, or equipment engineering.
• Experience sourcing internationally and managing supplier relationships across regions.
• Familiarity with import/export regulations, tariffs, and customs processes as they relate to capital equipment.
• People management experience leading a sourcing or buyer team.