Buyer – New Product Development (NPD)

Job Overview:

The Buyer – New Product Development (NPD) will play a key role in supporting the Research & Development (R&D) team by sourcing and developing engineering components for new product projects. The role involves managing relationships with suppliers to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of high-quality components, including machined, sheet metal, PDC, and electronic parts. The Buyer will be responsible for leading cost reduction initiatives, optimizing production processes, and ensuring that all components meet the technical and quality standards required for new product development. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with engineering, quality, and supplier teams to deliver innovative solutions within the automotive sector, particularly in Commercial Vehicle Tier 1 components.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sourcing & Supplier Management:

• Act as a liaison between Engineering and suppliers for component development.

• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers for machined, sheet metal, PDC, and electronic components.

• Manage the RFQ (Request for Quotation) processes, ensuring cost-effective procurement aligned with technical requirements.

• Conduct supplier audits to assess capabilities, ensuring quality compliance and adherence to timelines.

2. Cost & Process Optimization:

• Lead cost reduction initiatives to meet company targets and improve overall cost efficiency.

• Work on improving production efficiency and reducing rejections by enhancing dies, tools, and processes.

• Maintain production SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), process parameters, and master data for optimal manufacturing practices.

3. New Product Development (NPD) Support:

• Expedite samples, parts, and tooling to support NPD project timelines.

• Ensure alignment of sourcing with purchasing cost targets, technical requirements, and project deadlines.

• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams on VA/VE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) projects to optimize cost and performance.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Graduate Engineer (B.Tech/B.E.)

• Experience: 12–15 years in the automotive industry with expertise in sourcing automotive components, particularly under-chassis parts, air actuators, dryers, valves, brake chambers, and clutch boosters.

• Exposure to Commercial Vehicle Tier 1 suppliers is preferred.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to independently resolve ongoing supplier challenges and improve supplier performance.

• Experience in managing end-to-end production activities.

• Knowledge of cost management and process optimization techniques.

• Understanding of supplier quality and compliance standards.