BASIC FUNCTION

The NPD Strategic Sourcing manager will lead sourcing initiatives for new product development projects, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality, and timely development/ delivery of products and components. The role requires a strong understanding of supply chain management, supplier relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams. The NPD Strategic Sourcing Manager will be responsible for identifying and developing new suppliers, negotiating contracts, and aligning sourcing strategies with product development timelines and business goals.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Sourcing: Lead the sourcing strategy for all New Product Development (NPD) projects, ensuring alignment with overall company goals. Identify and develop suppliers that meet technical, cost, quality, and delivery targets for new products.

Cost Optimization: Drive best sourcing cost through strategic negotiations, supplier development, and sourcing best practices, without compromising quality and product specifications.

Contract Management: Responsible for all supplier contracts (NDA’s/Design and Development Agreements) to ensure that the required legal terms, conditions and cost/service components are in place to meet Business Unit requirements during product development.

Compliance: Ensure that all sourcing activities comply with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Innovation: Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and emerging suppliers that could contribute to the success of NPD projects. Introduce innovative sourcing solutions to the organization.

Continuous Improvement: Evaluate the NPD Sourcing process to drive continuous improvement and utilization of shared services at Purchasing Support Group.

KPIs and Reporting: Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost savings, supplier quality, on-time delivery, and sourcing cycle times. Provide regular updates to senior leadership on sourcing progress and project milestones.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with engineering, R&D, product management, and manufacturing teams to ensure sourcing aligns with product design, quality standards, and timeline requirements.

Resource Management: Managing the day-to-day operations for new product sourcing resources. Balance resources to support priority projects in region and globally. Interview, recommend and coordinate hiring, training, disciplining and resource utilization of all associates within department. Identify and evaluate critical positions within the department and establish strategies to develop a strong talent pool. Coach and develop talent utilizing documented performance management tools.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Deep understanding of sourcing best practices, particularly in a product development context.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficient in sourcing software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to influence and drive change across the organization.

Key Competencies:

• Analytical thinking
• Results-driven
• Strategic mindset
• Supplier development
• Relationship management

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably with an MBA degree.
• Minimum of 15 years Strategic Sourcing/ Procurement experience.
• At least 5 years managerial experience.
• Proven track record of sourcing for direct materials.
• Previous SAP experiences desirable.