Procurement Specialist – Products

Description Major Function

The Procurement Specialist for New Product plans, manages, and coordinates all activities related to sourcing and procurement of necessary materials and supplies required for New Product Introduction (NPI) and R&D projects. Working in a cross-functional environment, partnering with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, Distribution, and Sales, in order to ensure on time delivery of materials and suppliers for First Article samples, R&D samples, new product development efforts, all the way through first production delivery.

• Plans, manages, and coordinates all activities related to the sourcing and procurement of necessary materials and supplies for NPI and R&D products.
• Creates and maintains successful and productive working relationships with outside suppliers to ensure continually improving quality products at the best rate possible
• Sources and negotiates commercial aspects with global suppliers, including onsite supplier audits
• Navigates through import tariffs and duties to determine the best possible supplier quality with lowest landed costs.
• Drives improvement in product price, quality and on time delivery First article samples, R&D parts and first production deliveries.
• Participate in driving low cost resourcing and new product development initiatives
• Works with freight forwarders and transport companies to ensure successful import of products
• Works closely with Engineering Management, Supply Chain Managers, Buyers & Project Managers, providing frequent updates on progress with New Products.
• Support relevant Engineering, Supply Chain and Corporate KPI’s

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, supply chain, engineering or related field
• Supply Chain certifications a plus, examples:
• CPIM – Certified in Production & Inventory Management
• CPSM – Certified in Professional Supply Management
• CSCP – Certified Supply Chain Professional
• Lean certification
• Six Sigma certification

• 5-10 years of related domestic and international purchasing / supply chain management experience
• Experience developing highly technical products to unique specifications with domestic and international manufacturers
• Experience in supplier identification, vetting and development, domestic and international
• MRP experience, implementation experience a plus (Microsoft Dynamics GP, IQMS, SAP, Infor Syteline, etc.)
• Experience and practical application with Lean and Six Sigma to gain significant improvement in the areas of costs, lead time, inventory, and quality improvement

• Tremendous attention to detail with high sense of urgency and superior follow through skills
• Demonstrated ability to take full accountability for all Suppliers/projects assigned
• Established reputation as a high integrity, top performer
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Ability to make fast, high quality decisions to drive solutions
• Ability to analyze data and make sound decisions
• Knowledge of Supply Chain and global supplier management
• Demonstrated experience in supply chain management, including negotiation, supplier development, and project management
• Ability to read engineering specifications/drawings and quality inspection plans
• Ability to adapt to all cultures and cultural situations

• Demonstrated experience with MS Office products and ERP systems, MS Excel power user, Wrike a plus

• Ability to travel anywhere globally, anytime