Senior Strategic Sourcing Engineer / Senior Purchasing …, Burnaby

About The Role Ballard’s Supply Chain Group has an immediate opening for a Senior Strategic Sourcing Engineer / Senior Purchasing 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 robust 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 Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2o2j67