Specialist - Procurement/ New Product Development

Job Summary:

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Tactical Procurement professional to support our Procurement team in New Product Development (NPD) initiatives. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing all procurement-related activities for new products, from the initial feasibility stage through to the first commercial production run. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, effective vendor management, and strong analytical skills to ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials and components for innovative new products.

Job Description:

Project Management & Coordination

• Participate in daily and weekly NPD meetings to track progress of each product in development
• Track progress of projects and take necessary procurement actions based on project status and timelines
• Manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously, maintaining clear documentation and communication
• Support project transitions from development to commercial production
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure procurement activities align with project timelines

Sourcing and Vendor Management:

• Gather detailed product specifications, demand forecasts, and MOQ requirements after stage gate reviews
• Identify and contact appropriate vendors to gather quotes, pricing, and commercial terms
• Conduct secondary research to identify new potential vendors when needed
• Build and maintain vendor relationships through effective networking and communication
• Coordinate with vendors for sample production, trial orders, and commercial production

Cost Analysis & Quotation Management:

• Analyse vendor quotations to dissect cost elements and understand detailed cost structures.
• Provide regular cost analysis reports to support decision-making during development
• Understand the cost drivers for key commodities and components relevant to packaging products.
• Submit vendor pricing and cost breakdowns to internal teams for product cost buildup.

Sample & Trial Coordination:

• Coordinate sample sharing between vendors and internal teams for evaluation and approval
• Support trial production runs by ensuring materials availability and vendor coordination
• Troubleshoot any procurement-related issues during trial and initial commercial production

Profile Description:

Required Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, preferably in a product development environment
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any discipline; specialization in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Food & Agribusiness, or relevant areas is desirable
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) in English and interpersonal abilities
• Proficiency in MS Office suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint) and experience with SAP
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with a proven track record of multitasking across complex projects

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Knowledge in packaging products and materials
• Ability to work in US shift hours
• Flexibility with work duties and scope
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
• Self-motivated with ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Experience in cost analysis and breakdown