NPD Sourcing Specialist/Buyer

Collaboration drives Nordson’s success as a market leader in Industrial Precision Solutions and Advanced Technology. Our employees thrive in an environment where we help each other reach our personal best and enable our company to continuously improve and grow, and our customers to succeed. You will find Nordson employees sharing our success by giving back in the communities around the world where we live and work.

Nordson Medical, a global leader in the medical device industry, is seeking a NPD Sourcing Specialist/Buyer to join our team in Galway, Ireland. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment. 

Job Summary
The NPD Sourcing Specialist/Buyer position is responsible for managing all aspects of sourcing and materials planning related to new product development & production of early stage medical devices (low to Medium volume). This position will collaborate with Design Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Global Supply Chain and the supply base to ensure all purchased components are sourced & procured to meet established timelines and cost targets while maintaining Supply Chain strategies and Design Engineering objectives. 

Some international travel may be required (less than 20%).

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain Category Sourcing strategies for Nordson Medical Finished Devices.

• As an extended part of the Development Engineering Team, you will manage all aspects of materials for new product development projects. This includes sourcing, quoting, material costs, material availability, master data, PO’s, invoices, and associated reporting. 

• Provide and manage component timelines and material availability to the Project team identifying any risks and working to mitigate the risks.

• Facilitate integration of suppliers into the appropriate stages of the new product development process to achieve best DFM, total cost and quality of the products.

• Develop cost models to understand cost drivers of purchased components and utilize negotiation and cost management tools to obtain best in class pricing on all components

• Ensure parts, systems, and components are available for use in support of the development & production master schedule, including the tracking and monitoring of new parts and providing a “can build” model based on material availability.

• Execute the process for a smooth materials transition from Development into the production environment

• Continually improve Program Sourcing processes.

• Develop and standardize Program Sourcing process controls to create robust processes that are applied consistently throughout each project or program

• Support manufacturing and quality with supplier re-sourcing projects and quoting activities related to continuous improvement activities and cost savings projects. Reporting project objectives, financials, and progress to leadership team

• Aspiring for Excellence: Identify and develop ideas for cost reduction through consolidation of suppliers and requirements, alternative sourcing, warranty reduction, working capital reduction, and value analysis / value engineering

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, Industrial Engineering or related field. In lieu of degree, consideration for up to 4 years of additional related experience may be considered.

• Minimum 5 years of project/program management experience in a supply chain, product development, or manufacturing environment with an experience of Sourcing, Materials Management, and Logistics.

• Technical background and understanding of manufacturing or assembly operations environment

• Project manager experience desired but not essential

• CPM / CPSM Certification desired but not essential

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Must have an “owner-mindset” to be self-motivated, organized, and able to adapt quickly to changing project demands with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight

• High level of analytical ability required to develop and maintain integrated project plans while balancing workloads for a large number of projects

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills required to interact with all levels of leadership team, project team, and suppliers located around the world

• Demonstrated negotiation and cost management skills a must

• Substantial level of innovation required to develop systems, and processes that assess project performance, highlight potential problem areas, and propose and implement solutions to solve those problems

• Proven ability to lead, influence, and motivate project team members in a cross functional environment

• Organizational skills with strong attention to detail required with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple duties and projects at one time

• Strong ability to drive and execute change

• Willingness to be flexible and to accept new responsibilities and challenges