NPI Buyer Planner I

Job Description

Job Description

Therm-x of California is the leading manufacturer of Advanced Temperature and Control Systems for Hi-Technology industries. We have been in business for over 30 years and have a diverse customer base.  We offer competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, 401(K), sick leave and paid time off.

The NPI Buyer/Planner position combines strategic planning expertise with procurement acumen to execute projects efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with organizational goals. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, organizational, project management and multi-tasking skills, including proactive problem solving. The ideal candidate will act as a bridge between Project Managers, engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and stakeholders to manage timelines, resources, and risk during the product development lifecycle.

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• New Product Introduction Planning: Develop and implement detailed plans for the introduction of new products, including timelines, budget estimates, and resource allocation.
• Purchasing Management: Oversee the procurement of materials and components required for new product launches, ensuring quality standards and cost-efficiency.
• This role is instrumental in performing material requirements, planning and ensuring on-time delivery to customers.
• Support new program launches by research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, and reliability.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between suppliers and internal teams, ensuring smooth communication and alignment of objectives.
• Facilitate regular status meetings with stakeholders to provide updates on project progress and address challenges proactively.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to highlight achievements, challenges, and suggestions for process improvements.
• Effective supplier relationship management and ownership of production execution to meet customer requirements.
• The role requires a deep understanding of criticality of meeting customer deadlines 
• Thorough understanding of Bill of material, process flow setup and FAI (First article inspection).
• Follow-up on day-to-day activities like purchasing, production, warehouse, and shipping.
• Identify supply issues, flag with the appropriate owners across Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and drive resolution.
• Responsible for quality issues and invoice discrepancies. Development of programs to improve supplier quality and dependability, along with internal purchasing procedures.
• Follow up on deliveries and expedites as needed. Negotiate and administer contracts with suppliers.
• Maintain accurate cost and lead time information in all systems.
• Replenish inventory in a timely manner using MRP Reports and cross verify with open sales order
• Analyze procurement data and NPI outcomes to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Establish files and controls for all outgoing and incoming correspondence on each assigned order.
• Work with Manufacturing departments to ensure movement of work orders on schedule.
• Making effective decisions when presented with multiple options for how to progress with the project. 
• Other responsibilities related to projects or processes will be defined by the manager.

Educational Experience Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in Procurement, Planning or Project management role
• Planning and purchasing experience in manufacturing required
• Proficient with MS Office products & experience with ERP Systems
• High level of oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• ERP experience is required, (Epicor, a plus)