Sr. NPI Buyer

Job description

Primary Function of Position The Senior Strategic NPI Buyer, New Products Supply Chain, will support the introduction and launch of new products by managing supply chain activities from concept to commercialization. This role collaborates cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and commercial teams to ensure successful product launches and optimize supply chain processes for new product development.

Moreover, ISI is looking for the S trategic NPI Buyer who has owned complex supply chain problems , identified risks early, and taken accountability rather than escalating issues away. You can clearly explain why decisions were made. You understand supplier capabilities, sourcing strategy, and risk, especially in new product introduction environments . You are comfortable influencing engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing without direct authority.

Most importantly, you can demonstrate ownership, judgment, and leadership , not just years of experience, or operational or familiarity with tools. This role will manage procurement of direct materials and strategic sourcing initiatives to support new product introduction. Requires knowledge of key supplier capabilities and matches the capabilities to new product design. Track and manage purchase orders, delivery commitments to support ramp up of new products.

Work closely with strategic sourcing and engineering to ensure that the appropriate supplier strategy is implemented for new product release and production ramp. Evaluates supplier capabilities and works with supplier engineering and strategic sourcing to develop new supply sources as needed. Monitors cost, capacity, and delivery schedule to ensure availability of material for production.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain Execution : Manage procurement of direct materials and coordinate strategic sourcing initiatives to support New Product Introductions (NPI). Effectively track and manage purchase orders, delivery commitments, and ramp-up timelines for new products.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with engineering, strategic sourcing, and supplier engineering teams to align supplier capabilities with product design and commercialization objectives.

Inventory & Production Planning

Establish component and material requirements based on engineering inputs and new product build schedules. Maintain optimal inventory levels for production continuity.

Supplier Management

Evaluate, develop, and optimize supplier capabilities. Expand supply sources as necessary in collaboration with strategic sourcing and supplier engineering.

Performance Monitoring

Monitor cost, capacity, and delivery schedules to ensure on-time availability of materials for production. Track purchase price variances and contribute to cost reduction initiatives.

Risk & Change Management

Support risk identification and mitigation utilizing SCRM tools; manage supplier involvement in engineering change orders to minimize disruptions.

Supplier Performance & Quoting

Prepare supplier scorecards, participate in supplier business reviews, and lead quoting activities to drive supply chain optimization.

Market Research

Conduct market research to identify and qualify appropriate suppliers for various commodities and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (BS) or equivalent in supply chain, business, engineering, or related field.

Experience

5+ years of NPI purchasing and supply chain experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (medical device industry preferred).

Technical Skills

Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel including VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Charts), ERP systems (preferably SAP, Agile), and BOM structures.

Supply Chain Knowledge

Hands-on experience in strategic buying, material planning, master scheduling, and demand forecasting.

Project Management

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and achieve challenging objectives in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Interpersonal Skills: Strong influencing skills without direct authority; proven ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

Communication

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to deliver information at both strategic and tactical levels. Experience in medical devices or other highly regulated manufacturing industries. Advanced knowledge of supplier development, strategic sourcing, and new product introduction processes. Familiarity with SCRM (Supply Chain Risk Management) tools and supplier quality systems. APICS or similar supply chain certification.

Travel & Onsite Requirements

Willingness to travel at least 25% (domestic & international); onsite presence required 3 days per week.