New Product Development Sourcing Manager

COMPANY OVERVIEW:   Founded in 1953 Avtron has a long history of manufacturing market leading power test solutions. Now with a global footprint and sales into some of the largest industrial projects, Avtron will continue to push the envelope of what’s possible in the electrical test environment. Avtron Power Solutions manufacture and distribute market leading load bank solutions for mission critical applications. We have the largest portfolio in the industry and can meet the highest load testing standards with our intelligent SIGMA load bank control system.     POSITION SUMMARY:    The NPD Sourcing Manager plays a critical leadership role in driving engineering efforts aimed at achieving competitive cost, quality components, and aggressive production launch milestones throughout the New Product Development (NPD) lifecycle. This includes collaborating on initial design, establishing and improving supplier processes, and value engineering (VAVE) initiatives. This role focuses on formulating and implementing strategies to reduce procurement costs while ensuring the maintenance of quality standards and supply chain efficiency within the front-end design and supplier selection process. The NPD Sourcing Manager will oversee the development of a robust process to support supplier engineering requests, ensuring that all quoting requirements are met while fostering strong communication between engineering, Global Sourcing, and Avtron suppliers. The NPD Sourcing Manager will ensure cross-functional alignment is achieved on technical specifications, design for value objectives, best-cost pricing, lead times, and contractual terms. This role serves as the primary point of contact for all NPD procurement discussions, including supplier selection, cost negotiations, and product launches from initial design to component FAI approval. The NPD Sourcing Manager will also support the identification of alternative sourcing solutions for obsolete, out-of-stock, or single-sourced materials, ensuring continued production support. This leadership role also includes driving collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize material costs, streamline procurement processes, and enhance supplier relationships throughout the NPD process.   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:    Essential Functions:   Serves as the primary supply chain point of contact (POC) for all NPD project launches. Manages the supply chain for NPD projects and purchased BOM components from quote through FAI approval Provides direction regarding print and design review, technical publication interpretation, appropriate source selection in coordination with Global Sourcing, and price/terms negotiation for new products Involves suppliers early in design stages to optimize design and reduce cost throughout the NPD process Ensures that expected lead times and schedules support production launch and/or cost savings targets. Develops schedules with critical milestones to track and broadcast progress within project team updates Ensures all purchased components on NPD BOMs are loaded correctly in SAP Monitors short and long-term material requirements needs, develops and implements effective plans to assure material availability and capacity at selected supplier for NPD projects Maintains product costs within established goals for each component and overall BOM Manage approval process for new suppliers through the NPD process and cost savings initiatives Maintains an in-depth working knowledge of computerized manufacturing systems: SAP, MRP, Bill of Material structure, Kanban, JIT and Lean Manufacturing concepts Actively works to develop new qualified and cost effect sources of supply when a new service, process or component is identified. This also applies to new strategic low-cost country initiatives gaining support and buy-in from Global Sourcing, Site Supply Chain Leaders, and Engineering Takes a proactive role in continuous improvement of SAP and maintaining data integrity and parameters Leads design engineering feedback and support on cost savings efforts and works closely with the Director of Global Sourcing to establish the sourcing points of contact for associated supplier bids, competitive negotiations, analysis, and PO coordination with the purchasing team Ensures that central POC’s for identifying alternative sourcing options for obsolete, out-of-stock, and single-sourced materials in support of production are identified Provides thorough sourcing analysis and on-site engineering support for supplier on-boarding, VAVE reviews, quality issues, production launch meetings, etc.     EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:    Education: BS or BE in Engineering   Skills Ability to multi-task, handling quick turnaround Ability to identify problem issues and escalate and/or execute acceptable solutions Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with customers, suppliers and employees/managers at all levels within the company Excellent organizational skills Ability to maintain safe work environment     Experience Minimum of 8-10 years’ progressive experience in engineering with procurement, sourcing, and operations experience within manufacturing operations Minimum of 3 years leading a team and driving concurrent projects Understanding of Supply Chain Management best practices Understanding of Finance/Cost Accounting Advanced user of SAP, Excel, power point and databases Advanced analytical and presentations skills required Experience in ERP systems, SAP desired   .  COMPUTER SKILLS: Possesses strong computer skills with demonstrated proficiency in standard business software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office)           LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: 20 minutes away from Cuyahoga Valley National Park 7 minutes away from Topgolf 15 minutes away from Bedford Reservation Local restaurants like Chipotle, Red Robin, Potbelly’s Sandwich Shop, Starbucks, and so much more! 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