Senior Buyer at SunDrive Solar

Procurement, Full Time, Sydney (Kurnell), NSW sydney full-time
Description
Posted 8 days ago

About Us

SunDrive is an Australian solar technology company turning world-leading science into real-world impact.

Founded in a Sydney garage in 2015, when our co-founder Vince Allen paused his PhD to pursue a bold idea, we set out to make solar more powerful, affordable, and sustainable. Today, that same drive fuels a company operating at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing and materials science.

Our breakthrough solar cell technology replaces silver with industry-first direct copper plating: swapping one of the most expensive materials in solar for something abundant, cost-effective, and sustainable. We set a world record for solar cell efficiency in 2021 and built the world’s first fully automated copper-plating line at our Kurnell facility, proving scalability.

Backed by leading VCs and government agencies and punching above our weight in partnering with global PV partners, we’re now at the forefront of a generational shift in clean-energy manufacturing and driving industrial-scale deployment.

If you want to work somewhere ambitious, collaborative, and deeply technical, where science meets impact, we’d love to hear from you.
 
About the Role:

As Senior Buyer, you will own SunDrive’s end-to-end procurement and logistics processes across research, development and engineering. 

You will partner directly with our engineers, scientists and operators to secure the materials, equipment, chemicals and services to power our technology – at speed, at the right cost and without compromising quality.  This is in-direct technical procurement in a fast-moving R&D environment.

You will not be buying catalogue items. You will interpret technical specifications, understand from the technical team what drives cost within them, and translate ambiguity into structured, commercially sound purchasing decisions.

You will work closely with suppliers in Australia, China and broader markets, with Mandarin capability critical to building strong supplier and partners relationships and delivering commercial outcomes.  
 
Success in this role is measured by two things: speed and cost, delivered without compromise.

What you will own:

  • Owning the full end-to-end procurement and logistics process, acting as the buyer for engineering, scientific, and pilot manufacturing-related purchases across lab R&D and production activities. 
  • Managing procurement requests from intake through technical clarification, sourcing, negotiation, purchase order issuance, logistics coordination, and final delivery, ensuring speed and cost efficiency without compromising quality. 
  • Sourcing, negotiating, and managing local and international suppliers across mechanical, electrical, chemical, capital equipment, and service categories, with a strong focus on suppliers in China and Australia. 
  • Engaging directly with chemical and equipment suppliers in China and Asia, building effective working relationships to support timely delivery and strong commercial outcomes. 
  • Optimising and communicating incoterms and their business impact across cash flow, timing, and resource planning. 
  • Managing international logistics and storage requirements for standard and dangerous goods, including chemicals and sensitive materials, while ensuring compliance with DG shipping, import/export, and customs regulations. 
  • Driving CAPEX efficiency across equipment purchases and service vendors (including electrical, HVAC and contractors), including coordination of installation logistics such as visas, housing, and contractor engagement. 
  • Leading procurement planning aligned to engineering roadmaps and project timelines, maintaining visibility on supply risk, lead times, and cost exposure for executive leadership. 
  • Deploying and maturing SunDrive’s Procurement and Inventory Management platform, improving inventory accuracy and optimising KPIs across cost, inventory value, lead time, and service attainment. 

    • We would love you to have:

  • 3–5+ years of procurement experience, including  indirect technical procurement where purchases are driven by engineering or scientific specifications rather than standard off-the-shelf items.  
  • Native or fluent Mandarin language capability , with confidence engaging suppliers in China and Asia . 
  • Demonstrable experience in strategic sourcing, supplier development, contract negotiation, and cost modelling, with solid commercial judgement in balancing speed, cost, and quality. 
  • CAPEX purchasing and equipment procurement experience, along with inventory forecasting, demand planning, and working within ERP/MRP systems (Cin7 preferred) to support procurement governance and KPI optimisation. 
  • Structured. Proactive and solutions-driven mindset.  
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguity and high- pressure, fast – moving environments.  
  • Strong stakeholder management skills and a high ownership mindset.  
  • Industry experience in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, solar, aerospace, chemical processing, battery manufacturing, or deep-tech hardware environments will be highly regarded. 
  • Experience managing high - volume procurement ticketing systems, such as in Jira, will be highly regarded.  

    • SunDrive’s Benefits  

    Meaningful Work & Ownership 
    - Access SunDrive’s Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) - real ownership in SunDrive’s growth (permanent employees only).
    - Work on breakthrough solar technology with global impact. 
    - Be part of a tight, high-performing team where your ideas matter.

    Learning & Growth 
    - Company-wide L&D Fund for courses, coaching, and technical development. 
    - Dedicated weekly learning time.
    - Up to 2 days of paid L&D leave per year.

    Leave & Flexibility 
    - 4 weeks annual leave + unlimited rollover.
    - 10 days paid Personal/Carer’s Leave + unlimited rollover. 
    - Parental Leave: 13 weeks primary / 6 weeks secondary caregiver leave. Paid antenatal leave and support for early arrivals, surrogacy, and return-to-work planning.
    - 2 days paid Compassionate Leave per occasion. 

    Health & Wellbeing 
    - Free, confidential EAP support for employees and immediate family.

    Financial & Everyday Perks 
    - EV-only novated leasing (FBT-compliant). 
    - Weekly transport (tolls and public transport) allowance up to $45. 
    Weekly catered lunch + snacks and drinks onsite.

    How We Work  
    We’re a team of engineers, scientists, operators, and builders who thrive where deep research meets real-world production. With teams in Australia and China, we collaborate across disciplines and borders to design, build, test, and optimise the technologies behind our breakthrough solar cells. At our Sydney site, R&D, pilot manufacturing, and process engineering sit under one roof, creating a fast, iterative loop between innovation and implementation. 

    Our culture is open, accountable, and grounded in first principles. We work without ego, raise challenges early, and solve them together. We act like owners—pragmatic, resourceful, and committed to delivering work that’s precise and built to last. 

    We’re ambitious in what we take on and united by a shared purpose: to turn breakthrough ideas into scalable technologies that power a better future. 

    Additional Information 
    SunDrive Solar Pty Ltd is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need accommodation at any point during the interview process. 

    This role requires full working rights in Australia. Unfortunately, SunDrive is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

    #LI-Hybrid

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