Associate Buyer - Advanced Tissue Models

Company Description

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

• Executes transactional procurement activities for direct materials and components needed to support business requirements. This includes purchase order management, basic supplier communications, inventory review, and maintaining procurement records in SAP and related systems.
• Operates within established procedures and standards, relying on regular supervision and detailed instructions to ensure timely supply, alignment with operational objectives, and accurate data maintenance
• Assists with key procurement initiatives as directed by management.

Essential Job Duties

• Procurement Process Management
  • Issues and manages purchase orders for raw materials and components to support production and inventory replenishment schedules.
  • Processes procurement transactions in SAP and coordinates order confirmations with suppliers through collaboration portals (Ivalua, Agile).
  • Maintains up-to-date records of all procurement transactions and supplier communications, executing basic data pulls and analyses in Excel.
• Supplier Collaboration and Performance Management
  • Communicates order details, delivery expectations, and basic logistics needs with suppliers; promptly acknowledges confirmed POs and escalates delivery or quality concerns as instructed.
  • Supports monitoring of supplier KPIs for delivery accuracy (OTD/OTIF) and follows up on straightforward issues under guidance.
  • Prepares clear notes and documentation for meetings, acting on assigned items with supervision.
• Risk Management
  • Identifies and escalates supply risks when directed, based on straightforward data review and standard processes.
  • Assists with root cause analysis basics for recurring supply/logistics issues and supports management in executing solutions.
  • Supports SIOP processes by providing required data input without independent interpretation
• Cross-functional Collaboration  
  • Works closely with quality, operations, and engineering teams to execute basic updates related to material master and engineering change orders under detailed instruction.
  • Shadows peers and uses feedback to develop understanding of the procurement function and internal/external stakeholder relationships.
  • Tracks own activities reliably, seek feedback for improvement, and contributes to straightforward process tasks

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience in executing purchase orders, maintaining accurate procurement records, and tracking routine supplier communications using ERP systems (SAP, Ivalua preferred).
• Basic analytical ability in Excel (data pulls, sorting, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, IF formulas).
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities; skilled at actively listening and presenting information in a clear and professional manner.
• Ability to organize, manage time independently, and receive feedback constructively.

Required Education and Training  

• Bachelor’s degree or +1 year of previous professional experience required.

Working Conditions  

• Minimal travel (10%) to suppliers may be required.

Preferred Skills and Experience  

• Familiarity with MS Office Suite and ERP environments such as SAP, Agile.
• Interest in Lean & Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, Tableau).
• Experience supporting procurement or supply chain activity in manufacturing or regulated environments.
• Demonstrates concern for precision and thoroughness.
• Track record of reliability, teamwork, and adaptability to changing priorities.  
• Proven ability to learn new processes and systems quickly as well as achieve stretch goals and objectives.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees
who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s
start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.