Senior Buyer - NPI Sourcing

Job description

Primary Function of Position

Accountable for procuring materials, components, and equipment in of new product introduction. Gathers quotations, knows key supplier capabilities and matches those capabilities to new designs and project schedules. Tracks and updates orders, delivery commitments and inventory receipts both inside and outside of MRP. Insures adequate supply in place for production ramp-up of new products. Works in partnership with Strategic Sourcing to ensure the appropriate supplier strategy is utilized for new product release and scale up to production.

Establish material requirements from engineering, new product build schedules, and maintains inventory at planned levels. Evaluates supplier reliability and works with Supplier Development Engineering and Strategic Sourcing to develop new supply sources as needed. Monitors cost, schedule, and scope of assigned new products and projects. Insures materials availability for production release in time to meet project schedules.

Works as a key member of a high performance team.

Roles and Responsibilities

Uses developed forecasts and proper planning techniques to ensure that optimal inventory levels are available to meet engineering and production ramp up requirements. Applies extensive new product introduction/R&D purchasing experience to minimize material run times and insure on time delivery of material to provided help with NPI project schedules. Works with engineering to assist suppliers in developing efficient fabrication processes.

Identifies second sources for critical components as necessary Participates in the continuous improvement of current systems and processes. Works with Strategic Sourcing to identify and qualify new supplier resources. Identifies potential supplier capacity issues and works in conjunction with Strategic Sourcing to resolve these issues and insure no impact to project schedules. Creates, updates, and publishes project material cost models.

Quickly and proactively, resolves and/or escalates issues related to delivery, supplier performance, quality or cost. Insures and maintains accuracy of all applicable reports, purchase orders, component item master information, etc. Work with engineering and production control to insure BOMs are accurate and will function in a production environment. Provides direction and/or effectively delegate critical tasks as needed.

Be a functional, productive member of a high performance team.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Skill/Job Requirements: Minimum 10 years experience in supply chain management of which a minimum with specific expertise in new product introduction (NPI), R&D and/or engineering environments with a demonstrated successful track record of increasing responsibility. Minimum BS in business, mechanical or electrical engineering or equivalent education/experience. Must have significant computer experience using Windows, Word, Excel (advanced skills preferred) and ERP Information Systems, preferably SAP and Agile.

MS Office skills ( MS Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) Excel (Vlookups, Pivot Tables, Charts, and filtering) Experience working with engineers and manufacturing resources for prototype parts procurement, pilot activities and production launch of new products. Ability to enjoy and work effectively in a fast paced, chaotic environment of constant change. Ability to manage change quickly and gracefully. Experience with and a functional knowledge of the manufacturing processes utilized by the suppliers of mechanical components (precision machining, sheet metal, plastic injection molding and other plastics processes, etc), contract manufacturing, OEM, cables, PCA, etc.

Familiar with project management techniques for new product introduction. ECO implementation experience required. Familiarity with contract and cost negotiation techniques. Excellent oral and written communication skills a must. Ability to communicate at both high (strategic) and detailed (tactical) levels and the ability to know when one or the other is appropriate. Diplomacy and “grace under fire” a must. Detail oriented with demonstrated ability to proactively follow-up on areas of responsibility in a timely manner.

Ability to perform repetitive computer data entry and place phone calls for 50+% of the workday. Ability to move across the factory, move materials, transfer packages up to 35 lbs., and read and have a basic knowledge of engineering drawings.