Aharon Barak
Purchasing Manager & Purchasing Specialist
Ashdod
Summary
Purchasing and supply chain expert with over 40 years of experience in global procurement operations, specializing in both direct and indirect purchasing. Proven track record in managing high-value supplier portfolios, leading strategic sourcing initiatives, and driving operational excellence in large-scale organizations. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with deep technical understanding and a strategic mindset.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Commodity Business Manager (CBM) & Indirect Supplier Manager (ISM)
Applied Materials
01.1997 - 01.2025
- Managed procurement operations for direct and indirect commodities totaling hundreds of millions of dollars annually
- Oversaw global suppliers in diverse domains: electronics, computing, IT, mechanics, optics, motion systems, lasers, pumps, robotics, and more
- Led procurement for facilities and services: security, dining, cleanrooms, HR services, IT infrastructure, cloud services, leasing, and more
- Initiated and led global sourcing strategies, vendor selection, and contract negotiations
- Developed long-term strategic plans for commodity management and supplier base optimization
- Handled complex contracts, KPIs tracking, cost reduction initiatives, and supplier performance evaluations
- Acted as key interface with legal, finance, production, HR, logistics, import/export, and facility management
- Led RFPs and bids, wrote procurement procedures, and implemented ERP systems (SAP & Oracle)
- Managed life cycle and obsolescence of components (LTB strategies), and procurement ramp-down plans
Senior Buyer - R&D; and Production
OPAL Technologies
01.1992 - 01.1997
- Led a team of five buyers in procurement for R&D; and production operations
- Built and maintained strong supplier relationships to ensure quality and on-time delivery
- Handled sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing of complex technical components and assemblies
- Collaborated with engineering and planning departments to align procurement with project timelines
- Conducted supplier performance reviews and initiated improvement plans
R&D Buyer
Optrotech
Rechovot, Central District
01.1984 - 01.1992
- Procured electronic components, computing equipment, and subcontractor services for R&D; activities
- Supported prototype development by ensuring timely material availability
- Worked closely with engineers to interpret technical documentation and specifications
- Participated in the qualification of new suppliers and evaluation of new technologies
- Contributed to streamlining purchasing processes and improving response times
Education
Purchasing Management Program - undefined
Tel Aviv University
Supply Chain & Procurement Management - undefined
Bar-Ilan University
Skills
- Strategic Sourcing & Global Procurement
- Complex Contract Negotiation
- Supplier Relationship Management
- ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)
Awards
- Recognized for excellence in global vendor management and cost-saving initiatives.
- Led procurement strategies that significantly improved quality and delivery performance.
Timeline
Commodity Business Manager (CBM) & Indirect Supplier Manager (ISM)
Applied Materials
01.1997 - 01.2025
Senior Buyer - R&D; and Production
OPAL Technologies
01.1992 - 01.1997
R&D Buyer
Optrotech
01.1984 - 01.1992
Purchasing Management Program - undefined
Tel Aviv University
Supply Chain & Procurement Management - undefined
Bar-Ilan University
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