Buyer / Planner, NPI (New Production Introduction)

Brooks Automation•Chelmsford, MA

3d•$63,244 - $85,566•Hybrid

About The Position

The NPI Buyer/Planner is responsible for the execution and management of material supply for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs. This position is embedded within the NPI organization and works closely with NPI Supply Chain Managers, NPI Planners, and Manufacturing teams, to ensure material availability supports aggressive product development and customer delivery schedules. The primary focus of this role is supplier management, material planning, purchase order execution, delivery performance, shortage resolution, and supply chain risk mitigation. The NPI Buyer/Planner serves as the day-to-day point of contact for suppliers, driving accountability and responsiveness to ensure material is delivered on time, at the required quality level, and in support of critical project milestones. This role is execution-oriented, requiring strong prioritization, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in purchasing, planning, supply chain, materials management, or related manufacturing disciplines.
Experience supporting New Product Introduction, product development, or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments.
Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems, inventory planning, purchase order management, and material control processes.
Experience managing suppliers and driving delivery performance in a manufacturing environment.
Working ability to read engineering drawings, bills of material, and technical specifications when needed.

Nice To Haves

APICS/CPIM is a plus.
Experience purchasing and planning materials such as: Precision machined components, Sheet metal fabrications, Castings and injection molded parts, Electrical and electromechanical assemblies, PCBAs and cables, Motors, pumps, and custom assemblies

Responsibilities

Create, maintain, and manage purchase orders to support NPI development builds and customer commitments.
Monitor material requirements and supplier commitments to ensure on-time delivery of components and assemblies.
Analyze shortages, identify supply risks, and develop recovery plans to minimize schedule impact.
Drive material readiness for engineering builds, prototype builds, pilot production, to support customer shipments.
Maintain accurate delivery commitments and communicate material status to stakeholders, through regular updates.
Serve as the primary day-to-day supplier interface for assigned NPI programs.
Drive supplier responsiveness, expedite critical materials, and escalate delivery issues when required.
Monitor supplier performance and proactively address risks impacting quality, delivery, or capacity.
Lead supplier recovery efforts for late deliveries and critical shortages.
Coordinate with Supplier Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to resolve supplier-related issues.
Partner closely with NPI Supply Chain Managers, NPI Planners, and Project Managers to support program execution.
Provide accurate material status, completion dates, and risk assessments for program reviews and customer escalations.
Support engineering change activity, prototype requirements, and evolving product designs.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to provide material readiness updates.
Help identify supply chain risks with NPI Supply Chain Mangers early and implement mitigation plans.
Maintain planning parameters, lead times, and order policies within Oracle ERP/MRP or equivalent systems.
Ensure accuracy of item master data and supplier information.
Manage inventory levels appropriate for NPI programs and changing demand profiles.
Support implementation of blanket purchase orders and replenishment strategies where appropriate.