Strategic Procurement Specialist

Summary:

This role serves as the materials and sourcing lead supporting product development and New Product Introduction (NPI). The position drives sourcing strategy from early design through production launch, ensuring cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and supplier readiness. The role partners closely with engineering, manufacturing, and program management while managing multiple projects, influencing sourcing decisions, and ensuring materials align with project schedules.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities supporting NPI and product development programs.
• Act as materials point of contact for engineering; manage all materials deliverables across projects.
• Drive cost, delivery, and supply continuity while ensuring materials are available per project timelines.
• Track and manage all components within the Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Partner with engineering to influence sourcing decisions and ensure supplier readiness for prototype and production.
• Issue RFQs/RFPs, analyze cost, and select suppliers based on quality, delivery, and cost competitiveness.
• Negotiate and manage supplier agreements and long-term pricing strategies.
• Perform make vs. buy analysis and develop cost / lead-time models.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including long lead-time and single-source components.
• Develop new sources for difficult-to-obtain materials and manage supplier relationships.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and integrate supplier interaction across engineering, manufacturing, and sourcing.
• Manage supplier capacity, inventory exposure, and disposition of excess or obsolete materials.
• Create purchase orders, manage delivery expediting, and maintain accurate SAP data (pricing, lead times, supplier info).
• Present material status, cost, and risks to leadership.
• Manage supplier performance through scorecards and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience in supply chain, engineering, or manufacturing.
• 7+ years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience, including NPI or product development support.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management experience.
• Project management experience with ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Strong understanding of BOM structures and mechanical/electromechanical components.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP; knowledge of PDM systems (e.g., Windchill) preferred.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings (including GD&T).
• Strong analytical skills including cost modeling and Excel proficiency.
• Effective communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Experience in electronics or ISO-certified manufacturing environments preferred.

Responsibility for Quality Procedures or Direct Product Quality:

• Adheres to Universal Quality System policies and procedures and uses standard problem-solving tools to continuously improve processes.

Physical Demands:.

• Ability to communicate clearly in presentations and with colleagues.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while also moving through work areas.
• Frequent computer use required.
• Ability to travel to supplier or customer sites as needed (<10%).

Universal Instruments is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer.

Target Annual Base Pay: $80,000 - $95,000 + Bonus + Robust Benefits