Direct Materials Buyer, Procurement

About the role

Western Digital is hiring a Direct Materials Buyer in Bang Pa-in, Thailand. The buyer owns the purchase order lifecycle from requisition through delivery, keeping supply flowing, protecting customer commitments and ensuring orders are accurate, timely and cost-effective. The role relies on strong supplier communication, quick resolution of shortages and close cross-functional collaboration.

Key responsibilities

• Manage PR-to-PO conversion, blanket orders, acknowledgments and PO closure.
• Expedite and de-expedite orders to prevent shortages and line-down risks.
• Maintain accuracy of pricing, MOQ and lead times in ERP/MRP systems.
• Enforce contract compliance and ensure spending aligns with approved suppliers.
• Work with Planners, GCM, Engineering, Logistics and Finance to resolve parts shortages and quality issues.
• Support supplier performance reviews with transactional insights.
• Collaborate with Planner and GCM on final EOL exposure reduction and on RTV negotiation and returns to suppliers for quality excursions.
• Work with GCM on second-source qualification and delivery timelines.
• Monitor WOS, aging and pallet requirements for storage.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in procurement, supply chain or a similar role.
• Preferred: direct materials procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with contract compliance and supplier negotiations.
• Continuous improvement mindset (Lean/Kaizen experience a plus).

Required skills

• ERP/MRP proficiency (SAP, Oracle or equivalent).
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Commodity landscape knowledge to support second sourcing.
• Supplier communication and relationship management.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving under pressure and shortage escalation management.
• Basic data analysis (Excel, Power BI, Tableau, OBI)