Supply Chain Specialist

Buyer

(permanent position, 40 hours per week)
At Nord Quantique, you will be part of something special: working in a highly dynamic environment at the forefront of quantum technology development while benefiting from a vibrant ecosystem located at the heart of the Quantum Innovation Zone of the picturesque city of Sherbrooke. Nord Quantique is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals can fulfill their aspirations while being supported and heard. This also means that we offer flexible work schedules and adapt our methods for the well-being of every individual.

Nord Quantique offers extensive moving support, including help with immigration paperwork, with finding a place to live, with access to childcare and schools, even helping your partner to find a new job. We offer a relocation compensation package and competitive salaries.
Vacation: 5 weeks per year
Group insurance (including dental care), virtual care, lifestyle spending account (all available after 3 months of service)
The Industrialization team’s mission is to bring Nord Quantique to an industrialization state ready to produce a Fault Tolerant Quantum Computer, by strengthening every level of the organization toward that goal. Purchasing is a key building block of this effort.
Today, purchasing activities are handled by individuals within each team. This consumes precious time that should be spent on R&D and other critical technical tasks. The Buyer will centralize and professionalize the purchasing function, putting in place a well-governed purchasing mechanism and robust supplier management to support Nord Quantique’s growth.
You will build and operate an efficient, transparent procurement process from technical requests to invoice, making it easy for internal teams to get what they need, on time and at the right cost and quality.
Working in close collaboration with all technical team leaders, the candidate will:

Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers, ensuring clear, professional and proactive communication.
Collect and clarify purchasing needs with internal technical stakeholders across all Nord Quantique teams.
Prepare and manage RFQs and RFPs based on team input (lab equipment, electronic components, technical services, etc.).
Analyze quotations, compare options and make recommendations based on total cost, quality, lead time and risk.
Negotiate terms, prices, delivery schedules and conditions with suppliers.
Manage the full purchasing cycle: request approval, purchase order creation, order follow-up, reception coordination and support to invoicing.
Track deliveries, manage issues with orders (delays, discrepancies, quality problems) and coordinate resolutions with suppliers and internal teams.
Maintain and optimize the supplier database, including performance, terms, risks and key contacts.
Contribute to inventory management by coordinating with technical teams to forecast needs and avoid stockouts; propose simple, pragmatic inventory practices adapted to NQ’s reality.
Create, document and maintain SOPs and governance for purchasing (approval rules, thresholds, documentation requirements, etc.).
Monitor and continuously improve purchasing process performance, with a particular focus on reducing purchasing process cycle time.
Ensure compliance with internal policies and relevant external regulations throughout the purchasing process.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in procurement, purchasing, supply chain or a similar role.
College diploma (DEC) in administration, supply chain management, operations management, industrial engineering or a related discipline; a bachelor’s degree is an asset.
Experience in a high-tech, hardware, industrial or lab environment is a strong asset.
Experience working with international suppliers (quotes, logistics, time zones, currencies, basic import/export aspects) is an asset.
Experience purchasing electronics, cryogenics components, scientific or lab equipment is an asset.
Strong practical experience with RFP/RFQ processes, purchase orders and supplier negotiation (Priority 1).
Good understanding of basic inventory management concepts (minimum stock levels, reordering triggers, lead times) and willingness to help shape simple inventory processes (Priority 2).
Knowledge of import/export basics and Incoterms, an asset (Priority 3).
Comfortable working with ERP and/or procurement systems (or motivated to help implement them) and with structured data entry and tracking.
Very good proficiency with Excel and the Microsoft 365 suite (lists, simple dashboards, basic analytics).
Ability to read and understand technical documentation sufficiently to support purchasing decisions (datasheets, specifications, etc.).
Knowledge of electronics, cryogenics, lab equipment or quantum technologies is an asset, not a requirement.
Advanced in French (French speaking suppliers)
Strong negotiation and influence skills, able to get good deals while maintaining positive, long-term supplier relationships.
Autonomous and proactive: you take ownership of the purchasing process and move things forward without waiting for instructions.
Continuous improvement mindset: you naturally look for ways to simplify, standardize and speed up processes.
Nord Quantique is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in its training, workplaces, and activities. Working language: English and French
Espace Quantique 1, 1950 rue Roy, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 1B7