NPI Project Buyer
About The Position
IMI plc is a global specialist engineering company focused on creating breakthrough solutions in fluid and motion control applications. They design, build, and service highly engineered products for market sectors including Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science, and Transport. The Palmer, MA location is a $50 million business specializing in manufacturing and developing products for the medical device and analytical instrumentation markets. The NPI Project Buyer will report to the Global Procurement Director of the Life Science sector and will be a key member of cross-functional product development teams. This role leads all procurement activities throughout the product lifecycle, from concept to launch, ensuring alignment of suppliers, cost targets, quality requirements, and project timelines for successful New Product Introduction (NPI). The Project Buyer serves as the primary procurement interface with Engineering, Quality, Project Management, and Operations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Purchasing, Supply Chain, or equivalent.
- Proven experience in Project Purchasing in an industrial environment (NPI/NPD ideally).
- Strong understanding of drawings, specifications, manufacturing processes, and tooling.
- Solid negotiation skills with suppliers (commercial + technical).
- Ability to work cross‑functionally under time pressure and manage multiple workstreams.
- Analytical mindset, structured communication, and strong stakeholder management.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with APQP/PPAP preferred.
Responsibilities
- Represent Procurement within the project core team and participate in all project milestones (concept, design freeze, prototype, pilot, SOP).
- Translate project requirements (BOM, drawings, technical specs) into sourcing actions.
- Ensure supplier deliverables (DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, control plans…) align with project timelines.
- Launch and manage RFQs for all new or modified components.
- Analyze quotations, build cost breakdowns, and recommend sourcing decisions.
- Ensure achievement of project cost objectives (PPV, Cost to Launch).
- Identify and evaluate suppliers based on technical capability, quality performance, financial stability, and project readiness.
- Ensure all sourcing activities comply with the approved preferred supplier list, challenging any deviation and escalating when necessary to maintain alignment with IMI’s category strategies.
- Drive supplier onboarding and qualification for new components and technologies.
- Support VAVE initiatives with Engineering.
- Manage procurement of prototypes and pre‑series parts on time and at project budget.
- Coordinate with suppliers on tooling, capacity planning, ramp‑up, and readiness for SOP.
- Monitor supplier APQP deliverables until PPAP approval.
- Identify risks related to suppliers, materials, lead times, and manufacturing processes.
- Build mitigation plans with suppliers and internal teams.
- Escalate issues proactively and support resolution to protect project timeline.
- Maintain project purchasing documentation (RFQ, sourcing decisions, cost tracking).
- Report status, risks, and achievements in project reviews and steering committees.
Benefits
- Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share
- Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching
- 14-week maternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
- 4-week paternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
- Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups
- PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays
- Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program)
- Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, and in many cases free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy.
- Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family
- Full suite of voluntary benefits to tap into, including but not limited to: Critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through our discount advantage platform
- Short & long-term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee
- Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab
- Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee only price - no opportunity to lose, only to profit or refund your investment 100%
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
