Position Summary
The New Product Development & Introduction (NPD/NPI) Procurement Lead is responsible for strategically supporting new product development initiatives by ensuring timely, cost-effective, and high-quality sourcing of materials, components, and services from concept through launch. This role partners closely with engineering, R&D, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to integrate procurement best practices early in the product lifecycle, reduce risk, and enable successful product commercialization.
Key Responsibilities
New Product Development & Introduction
- Lead procurement activities for new product development and product introduction programs from concept through production ramp-up.
- Participate in cross-functional NPD/NPI teams to influence design-for-cost, design-for-supply, and supplier selection decisions early in development.
- Develop sourcing strategies aligned with product roadmaps, technical requirements, timelines, and cost targets.
- Support prototype, pilot, and pre-production builds, ensuring on-time availability of materials and services.
Supplier Management & Sourcing
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support innovative products and emerging technologies.
- Lead supplier RFQs/RFPs, negotiations, and contract development for NPD-related components and services.
- Establish strong supplier partnerships to drive innovation, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with suppliers on cost reduction, lead-time optimization, and quality improvements.
Cost, Risk, and Lifecycle Management
- Develop and manage cost models, should-cost analyses, and total cost of ownership (TCO) assessments for new products.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to new technologies, single-source components, or constrained materials.
- Support make/buy decisions and transition plans from development suppliers to production suppliers as needed.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, sustainability, and organizational procurement policies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with engineering, R&D, manufacturing, quality, finance, and program management teams to align procurement strategies with technical and business objectives.
- Serve as the primary procurement point of contact for NPD/NPI programs.
- Support change management related to design changes, supplier transitions, and production scaling.
Continuous Improvement & Governance
- Develop and standardize NPD/NPI procurement processes, tools, and best practices.
- Track and report key metrics such as cost, lead time, supplier performance, and launch readiness.
- Contribute to lessons-learned reviews and continuous improvement initiatives post-launch.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles, with demonstrated experience supporting new product development or product launches.
- Strong understanding of NPD/NPI processes, manufacturing environments, and supplier engagement models.
- Proven negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, fast-paced environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in research-driven, advanced manufacturing, technology, or regulated environments.
- Familiarity with contract manufacturing, prototype sourcing, and low-to-high volume transitions.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, PMP) are a plus.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement analytics tools.
Key Competencies
- Strategic sourcing and supplier collaboration
- Cost modeling and financial analysis
- Risk management and problem-solving
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Continuous improvement mindset
Travel Requirements
% of Travel: 15%
The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.
OUR CORE PRINCIPALS: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Diversity & Inclusion.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Customer Focus
Operational Excellence
High-Performance Culture
Innovation
Financial Strength
OUR BEHAVIORS
Own It
Act With Urgency
Foster a Customer-First Mindset
Think Big and Execute
Lead by Example
Drive Continuous Improvement
Learn and Seek Out Development
Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring,
terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race,
color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital
status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic
information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a
disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending
an email to help.join@vertivco.com. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this role, please visit the
company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers
Work Authorization
No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
