Key Skills

Job Description

Enable the ramp-up of a deeptech scale-up that drives the quality and productivity of the world’s leading chipmakers. About Nearfield Instruments Nearfield Instruments (NFI) is a fast-growing scale-up high-tech company. We design, develop, integrate, market and service advanced metrology machines. Our machines enable our customers - the world’s leading chipmakers – to increase the production yields, and thus, functionality of their microchips, which in turn leads to smaller, more powerful consumer electronics. Founded in 2016, we bring together the most creative minds (approx. 550 employees) in science and technology and develop a one-of-a-kind, revolutionary high throughput Scanning Probe Microscopy system. Where will you be working? The main bottleneck for increasing output in the semiconductor industry is the time spent on quality control using single scanning probe microscopy. Scale-up Nearfield Instruments has developed the unique metrology solution called QUADRA, which increases throughput a hundredfold. As a Buyer at Nearfield Instruments, you are responsible for securing the timely availability of high-tech components, materials, and services required for the development and production of advanced semiconductor metrology systems. You work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and suppliers to ensure optimal quality, cost, and delivery performance while supporting business growth and innovation. What will you be doing? Determine material requirements and procure BOM and non-BOM materials for production, service, and R&D activities. Own and manage the end-to-end purchasing process, including RFQs, purchase orders, order confirmations and follow-up. Assist SCM Account Manager in supplier selection. Collaborate with Engineering and NPI teams to source technical components and support New Product Introductions and Engineering Changes. Communicate forecasts, demand changes, and order rescheduling with suppliers, in close collaboration with the SCM account manager. Monitor internal on time order approval. Monitor supplier performance on: On Time Delivery and Quality and expedite critical deliveries to prevent production disruptions. Develop and maintain supplier relationships with a focus on quality, delivery reliability, cost, and scalability, in collaboration with SCM Account manager. Conduct supplier reviews, performance improvement initiatives, and supplier benchmarking activities. Resolve supply chain issues, material shortages, quality concerns, and inventory discrepancies. Manage planning parameters and purchasing data within the ERP system. Support Return-to-Vendor (RTV) activities, invoice discrepancies, and pricing issues. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement, inventory management, and supplier performance. Collaborate with internal stakeholders in the Netherlands and internationally to ensure supply chain readiness and business continuity. What are we looking for? Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management within a high-tech manufacturing environment, high mix low volume. Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Customer centric Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Proactive mindset with a strong focus on continuous improvement and supplier collaboration. Professional proficiency in English; Dutch is an advantage. Key Competencies Operational & Tactical Procurement Supplier Performance and Relation Management Material Planning & Inventory Control Supply Chain Coordination ERP Systems & Data Management NPI & Change Management Forecasting & Demand Planning Lean Process Improvement Data analysis and dashboard reporting Cross-functional Collaboration Apply for the job If the above challenges excites you, we encourage you to send us your details using the Apply now button on our career site. Our recruitment process: Screening by Recruiter 1st interview with the Team Lead Take-home assignment 2nd interview: presentation of assignment and interview with Director of Operations Offer and reference check Onboarding and welcome at Nearfield Instruments! If you have any questions? Feel free to contact me via: Yuri Verwoest - Recruitment Business Partner [email protected]

Core Responsibilities

Procure BOM and non-BOM materials for production, service, and R&D, managing the purchasing process from RFQs and purchase orders through supplier follow-up. Coordinate with internal teams and suppliers to improve delivery, quality, cost, inventory, and supply continuity, while supporting new product introductions and continuous improvement.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, procurement, business administration, engineering, or a related field is required, along with procurement or supply chain experience in high-tech manufacturing, preferably high-mix, low-volume environments. Candidates should bring strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder-management skills; professional English proficiency is required, and Dutch is an advantage.