NPI Project Buyer

NPI Project Buyer

Reporting to the Global Procurement Director of our Life Science sector, as a NPI 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 with APQP/PPAP preferred.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally under time pressure and manage multiple work streams.
• Analytical mindset, structured communication, and strong stakeholder management.

Pay Range: $95,000 - $115,000 annually.

Within this range, individual pay is determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications relative to the job requirements. Base pay information is aligned with market location and may be subject to prevailing wage laws, if applicable.

What IMI can offer you:

At IMI, one of our top priorities is to create an inclusive culture of health. We strive to remove barriers to care (whether that be physical or financial) and in doing so, we offer choice for all your health and wellbeing needs.

See below for a general overview of our amazing perks and benefits:

• Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share
• Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching
• 14-week maternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• 4-week paternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups
• PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays
• Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program)
• Employer contribution for Health…