New Product Development (NPD) Buyer

Description

Position Summary

The New Product Development (NPD) Buyer will have responsibility on supporting engineering in all new product development activities and representing the procurement department. NDP Buyer will also act as the liaison between engineering and the suppliers including vendor identification, requesting initial cost estimates/quotes/information, placing orders for tooling and pilot materials as well as assisting with the development of new supplier relationships for new product, and contract development and negotiation.

The NPD Buyer will be responsible for procurement of, but not limited to, the following commodities: indirect purchases, trailer and cab parts and accessories, electrical parts, hardware, and mechanical, powertrain, and running gear components.   

Reporting Relationships

This position will report to the Sourcing Manager. This position will work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Purchasing and interface with all levels and departments within the organization. 

Primary Responsibilities

· Develops a strong understanding and knowledge of assigned components, suppliers and capabilities

· Utilizes MRP to plan and purchase NPD components

· Liaison between suppliers and engineers 

· Reads and interprets engineering prints to source components

· Evaluates supplier capabilities and processes

· Works closely with the Product Development team to investigate required technologies and suppliers to support new prototype program launches

· Assists with supplier onboarding

· Creates, analyzes, and processes RFQ packages 

· Manages MOQ’s and lead-times (for both samples and production)

· Ensures purchasing cost targets, timing requirements and technical requirements are met 

· Expedites samples, parts and tooling and finds alternative options to prevent project delays

· Applies engineering, manufacturing, and quality expertise to reduce material costs and meet program requirements

· Responsible for the overall prototype supplier performance related to quality, cost, and delivery

· Resolves and prevents invoice discrepancies with accounts payable and suppliers.

· Represents supply chain on functional sub-teams as assigned

· Other tasks as assigned

Requirements

Experience

· Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related field.

· 2+ years of experience in sourcing and procurement and familiarity with manufacturing and industrial operations.

· Experience procuring components for off-road utility vehicles.  

· Experience using MRP systems to gather and analyze data to ensure items needed are procured in a timely manner per the specifications required for manufacturing.

· Capacity to logically solve problems and manage projects by utilizing a data-driven, detail-oriented, approach.

· Self-motivated flexible team-player, with the persistence to following through on commitments in a timely manner.

· Ability to multi-task in a fast paced, deadline driven environment, as well as a strong attention to detail and accuracy.

· Proven use of negotiation techniques and tactics.

· Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong Microsoft skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Power BI.