Job Description
The Senior Buyer/Planner will be responsible for procuring materials, components, and equipment and for project materials management in support of NPI (New Product Introduction) and Production builds. Collect quotations, understands key supplier capabilities, and matches those capabilities to new designs and project schedules. Tracks and updates orders, on time delivery commitments and inventory receipts both internal and external of MRP. Ensure adequate supply are in place for NPI production ramp-up to sustaining transition. Work in collaboration with Supply Chain Management to ensure the appropriate supplier strategies are being utilized in time for new product release to production purchasing. Determine material requirements from engineering and New Product build schedules and maintain sustainable inventory levels. Evaluate supplier reliability and work with Supplier Development Engineering and Supply Chain Management to develop new supply sources as required. Monitor cost, schedule, and scope of assigned NPI and Production projects. Ensure new products are prepared to transition from NPI to production release. You will be part of a high performance team.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Use thorough forecasting and proper planning techniques to ensure that optimal inventory levels of commodities are maintained to meet engineering and production ramp up requirements.
- Apply extensive new product introduction/R&D purchasing experience to minimize material lead times and ensure on time delivery to support NPI project schedules.
- Work with engineering to assist suppliers in developing efficient fabrication processes.
- Identify second sources for critical components as necessary.
- Participate in the continuous improvement of current systems and processes.
- Work with Supply Chain Management to identify and qualify new supplier resources.
- Identify, early on, potential supplier capacity issues and escalate to Supply Chain Management, appropriately.
- Create, update, and publish project material cost models.
- Quickly and proactively, resolve and/or escalate issues related to delivery, supplier performance, quality, or cost.
- Ensure and maintain accuracy of all applicable reports, PO’s, component item master information, etc. Work with engineering and production control to insure BOMs are accurate and will function in a production environment.
- Provide direction and/or effectively delegate critical tasks as needed. Be a functional, productive member of a high performance team.
Qualifications
- Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in materials of which, minimum 5 years direct experience purchasing in New Product Introduction (NPI), R&D, and/or engineering support environments, specifically within the Medical Device domain with a demonstrated successful track record of increasing responsibility.
- Minimum BS in business, mechanical or electrical engineering.
- Experience with procuring metals, plastics, packaging and consumable components.
- Must have significant computer experience using Windows, Word, Excel (advanced skills preferred) and ERP Information Systems, preferably SAP Production and Agile ECO implementation.
- MS Office skills (MS Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, VLOOKUP’s, Pivot Tables, Charts and filtering)
- Experience working with engineers and manufacturing resources for prototype parts procurement, pilot activities and production launch of new products.
- Ability to enjoy and work effectively in a fast paced, ambiguous environment of constant change.
- Experience with and a functional understanding of the manufacturing processes utilized by the suppliers of mechanical components (precision machining, sheet metal, plastic injection molding and other plastics processes, etc.), contract manufacturing, OEM, cables, PCA, etc.
- Background with project management techniques for new product introduction.
- Familiarity with contract and cost negotiation techniques.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills a must. Ability to communicate at both high (strategic) and detailed (tactical) levels and the ability to know when one or the other is appropriate. Diplomacy and “grace under fire” a must.
- Detail oriented with demonstrated ability to proactively follow-up on areas of responsibility in a timely manner.
- Must be able to be onsite between 3 to 4 days a week and travel 25%+ domestically and internationally.
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
EEO and AA Policy
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target salary ranges are listed.
