Supply Chain Manager

As a key member of the Strategic Sourcing Team, the NPI Sourcing Manager for Custom Products is responsible for sourcing components, assemblies, and tooling to support New Product Development (NPD), Cost Reduction, Supply Improvement projects, and Innovation initiatives. This role requires balancing quality, cost, lead time, and contractual requirements to meet project objectives. Additionally, the NPI Sourcing Manager will manage changes related to the development of products that impact material costs and collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Purchasing, and R&D teams. The role also includes coordinating capital projects for setting up new production lines and equipment, as well as managing supplier risk and ensuring compliance with regulatory laws.

Job Responsibilities:

• New Product Qualification and Introduction: Oversee purchasing activities during the initial phases of new product qualification and introduction, ensuring successful project execution with a deep understanding of product technical specifications and requirements.
• Project Management: Lead and manage purchasing and supplier-related tasks, driving them to completion within aggressive timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, including Project Leaders, Engineers, and Sourcing, to technically contribute to product design and ensure the timely delivery of NPD projects.
• R&D and Innovation Support: Work closely with R&D and Innovation teams to source materials and components that meet the technical specifications required for custom product development. Actively contribute to the design and development of new product concepts by integrating sourcing expertise with technical knowledge.
• RFP/RFQ Management: Prepare and execute Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Quotation (RFQ). Analyze quotations, conduct cost breakdown analyses, and facilitate negotiations on unit pricing, tooling, and Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs to secure the best overall commercial terms throughout the project.
• Cost Reduction and Process Optimization: Identify and communicate cost-saving opportunities with suppliers through alternative manufacturing processes, designs, and materials, working closely with cross-functional teams to optimize cost and efficiency.
• Supplier Selection and Management: Support the development, review, and approval of supplier selection criteria using standardized processes that include technical evaluations of suppliers’ capabilities. Ensure that suppliers can meet the product’s design and performance requirements, driving both technical innovation and quality.
• Supplier Risk Management and Compliance: Assess and manage supplier risks, including financial stability, quality issues, and capacity constraints. Ensure that suppliers comply with all relevant regulatory laws and industry standards. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and maintain supply chain continuity.
• Issue Resolution and Risk Management: Handle necessary correspondence or personal contact to expedite orders, revise purchase orders, cancel orders, improve terms, and resolve issues with rejected goods. Escalate issues and risks as needed, proposing mitigation plans to ensure project continuity.
• Costed Bill of Material (CBOM) Management: Update and maintain the Costed Bill of Material (CBOM) for each specific NPI project, ensuring technical accuracy in materials, components, and supplier lead times for tooling, and alignment with overall project timelines
• Part Release and Engineering Change Management: Manage individual part release status and coordinate with engineering teams on technical changes. Oversee NPI-related Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to ensure that technical modifications are implemented effectively.
• PPAP and Production Transition: Manage PPAP orders for new parts, from order inception through quality inspection and engineering sign-off. Work with production buyers to transfer purchasing responsibility for new parts once they achieve approved PPAP status.
• NPI Tactical Purchasing Activities: Handle tactical purchasing tasks such as expediting materials, managing past due purchase orders, open purchase orders, purchase order confirmations, and resolving issues related to receiving, purchasing, and accounting.
• Vendor and Item Data Management: Update and maintain vendor records, item. information, and standard costs within the INFOR (CSI) system, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
• Supplier Sourcing Support: Assist purchasing and operations in sourcing new suppliers for both new and existing custom products. Conduct technical assessments to ensure suppliers meet design, quality, and performance expectations.
  

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field), Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration. A Master’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business is a plus.
• Strong project management skills supported by written and oral communication skills within internal and external cross-functional teams. 
• Familiarity with key manufacturing processes (injection molding, machining, electronics, etc.) and how they impact sourcing decisions.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials (BOM).
• Strong reasoning and problem solving to determine phase-in and phase-out date requirements. 
• Ability to read/understand technical documents, as well as manufacturing reports. 
• Proficiency with the use of Excel and MRP/ERP systems
• Lean Manufacturing background.