Sr Principal Sourcing NPI

Overview

Reporting to the NPI Sourcing Director, the Sr. Principal Sourcing role is responsible for developing, managing, and implementing sourcing strategies and best practices that support New Product Introductions (NPI) from concept through commercial launch. The role places a strong emphasis on Design for Excellence (DFx), Early Supplier Involvement (ESI), prototype‑to‑production sourcing strategies, and new supplier discovery and qualification.

• Lead sourcing strategy development for NPI programs from concept through production launch.
• Drive early supplier involvement (ESI) to influence design, cost, manufacturability, and supply chain risk mitigation.
• Partner with R&D and Engineering teams to implement Design for Excellence (DFx) principles, including DFM, DFC, and DFSC.
• Develop and execute prototype‑to‑production sourcing strategies, including supplier selection, qualification, and ramp planning.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support technology, cost, capacity, and geographic diversification requirements.
• Conduct supplier discovery, due diligence, and risk assessments for new and sole‑sourced components and technologies.
• Lead commercial negotiations for prototype, pilot, and production volumes, including pricing structures, capacity commitments, and lead times.
• Partner with Global Commodity Management to ensure alignment with long‑term sourcing strategies and preferred supplier frameworks.
• Support cost modeling, should‑cost analysis, and value engineering initiatives to meet product cost targets.
• Drive supply chain readiness reviews and ensure supplier capability aligns with product launch timelines.
• Collaborate with Quality and Supplier Quality Engineering to support supplier qualification, PPAP, and validation activities.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including sole‑source dependencies, long lead‑time components, and capacity constraints.
• Support global NPI programs across multiple regions, including coordination with international manufacturing sites and suppliers.
• Ensure sourcing deliverables are aligned with Product Development Process (PDP) milestones and gate requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement of NPI sourcing processes, tools, and best practices.
• Provide executive‑level updates on sourcing risks, cost status, and supplier readiness for key NPI programs.
• Mentor and provide guidance to sourcing team members supporting NPI programs.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of strategic sourcing experience, with a focus on NPI, R&D, or complex manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success managing global sourcing and supplier development initiatives.
• Experience implementing DFx principles, early supplier involvement, and prototype‑to‑production sourcing strategies.
• Strong knowledge of supplier qualification, risk assessment, and regulatory/compliance requirements for global supply chains.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience in both prototype and production volume contracts.
• Experience with cost modeling, should‑cost analysis, and value engineering.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience supporting supply chains across multiple geographies, including APAC, EMEA, and Americas.
• Proficient with Product Development Processes (PDP) and NPI stage‑gate methodology.
• Strong SAP background.

• On‑time NPI Launch:
  Percentage of new products launched on schedule with no supply chain delays.
• Supplier Readiness:
  Percentage of suppliers qualified and capable for prototype, pilot, and production volumes.
• Cost Performance:
  Achievement of target product cost reductions through sourcing strategies, cost modeling, and value engineering.
• Risk Mitigation:
  Number of high‑risk supplier issues identified and resolved proactively prior to NPI launch.
• Supplier Development:
  Number of new suppliers discovered, qualified, and onboarded to support NPI programs.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Positive feedback from R&D, Engineering, Operations, and Project Management on sourcing support and influence.
• Process Improvements:
  Implementation of sourcing best practices into PDP and measurable improvements in cycle time, cost, or supplier performance.
• Negotiation Effectiveness:
  Achievement of favorable pricing, lead times, and contract terms for prototype and production volumes.
• Global Alignment:
  Consistency and compliance of sourcing practices across regional manufacturing sites.
• Team Leadership:
  Successful mentorship and development of sourcing team members supporting NPI projects.