Project Buyer

IMI plc

We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world - creating lasting impact for everyone.

We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors:
Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science & Fluid Control and Transport.

Our partnership approach breaks through problems and reduces complexity. We don't invent in isolation - we collaborate with our customers. We listen closely and we think differently, creating space for diverse minds to innovate. We are working together to make businesses safer, more sustainable and more productive.

Site Overview

Our Palmer location is a $50 million business focused on the manufacturing and development of cutting-edge products that serve a range of customers in the medical device and analytical instrumentation markets. Our products include electron multipliers, filaments, syringes, pumps, and valves.

Work Environment:
This role is based on-site at our Palmer, MA location, with the option of working a hybrid schedule.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Global Procurement Director of our Life Science sector, as a Project Buyer, you will play a key role in cross-functional product development teams, leading all procurement activities throughout the product lifecycle - from early concept through industrialization and series launch.

You will ensure suppliers, cost targets, quality requirements, and project timelines are aligned to enable successful New Product Introduction (NPI).

The Project Buyer acts as the primary procurement interface with Engineering, Quality, Project Management, and Operations.

Key Responsibilities

* Project Integration (NPI / Engineering interface):
Represent Procurement within the project core team and participate in all project milestones (concept, design freeze, prototype, pilot, SOP).

* Translate project requirements (BOM, drawings, technical specs) into sourcing actions.

* Ensure supplier deliverables (DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, control plans…) align with project timelines..

* Cost Management & RFQ Execution:
Launch and manage RFQs for all new or modified components.

* Analyse quotations, build cost breakdowns, and recommend sourcing decisions.

* Ensure achievement of project cost objectives (PPV, Cost to Launch).

* Supplier Selection & Development (Project Scope):

Identify and evaluate suppliers based on technical capability, quality performance, financial stability, and project readiness.

* Ensure all sourcing activities comply with the approved preferred supplier list, challenging any deviation and escalating when necessary to maintain alignment with IMI's category strategies.

* Drive supplier onboarding and qualification for new components and technologies.

* Support VAVE initiatives with Engineering.

* Prototypes, pre-series & industrialisation

Manage procurement of prototypes and pre‑series parts on time and at project budget.

* Coordinate with suppliers on tooling, capacity planning, ramp‑up, and readiness for SOP.

* Monitor supplier APQP deliverables until PPAP approval.

* Risk & Issue Management Identify risks related to suppliers, materials, lead times, and manufacturing processes.

* Build mitigation plans with suppliers and internal teams.

* Escalate issues proactively and support resolution to protect project timeline.

* Governance & Reporting Maintain project purchasing documentation (RFQ, sourcing decisions, cost tracking).

* Report status, risks, and achievements in project reviews and steering committees.

What we are looking for

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Purchasing, Supply Chain, or equivalent.

* Proven experience in Project Purchasing in an industrial environment (NPI/NPD ideally).

* Strong understanding of drawings, specifications, manufacturing processes, and tooling.

* Solid negotiation skills with suppliers (commercial + technical).

* Experience…