Global NPI Buyer

Global NPI Buyer

ADB Safegate

Zaventem, Belgium

Position Overview

The NPI Buyer is responsible for the purchasing and coordination of materials and components related to any product or component changes, including New Product Introduction (NPI), Engineering Change Requests (ECR), and other critical transitions such as product phase out coordination. The NPI Buyer ensures timely procurement, receipt, and distribution of all affected materials, manages inventory transitions and coordinates closely with Production Planners, Project team and other cross-functional teams to support smooth implementation of changes.

Key Responsibilities

• Tactical Purchase Order Placement & Follow-Up:
  • Place and follow up on purchase orders for all materials affected by product/component changes (Samples, NPI, ECR, etc.).
  • Ensure timely receipt and accurate documentation of all affected materials.
  • Maintain clear records of order status and supplier communications.
• Sample Material Receipt & Distribution:
  • Promptly receive and distribute sample materials, prototypes, and related items to the appropriate personnel or sites.
  • Ensure all samples reach the correct recipients in line with project timelines.
• Material Ramp Down & Ramp Up:
  • Manage the ramp down of obsolete/raw materials and the ramp up of new materials at both ADBSG and vendor locations.
  • Coordinate with vendors to minimize excess and obsolete inventory.
• Inventory Management During Changes:
  • Monitor inventories impacted by product and component changes at ADBSG and supplier sites.
  • Analysis to prioritize procurement activities, manage critical items, and optimize inventory levels during transitions.
  • Work closely with Production Planners to align inventory strategies according to parameter reviews (MOQ, RV, Safety stock, ...).
• Production Test Sample Coordination:
  • Coordinate the procurement and delivery of production test samples as per project requirements.
  • Ensure the correct number of samples are delivered to the right recipients, and arrange logistics as needed.
• Pre-NULL Series Production Support:
  • Support the procurement of materials for verification, validation, and product sample units prior to full production release.
  • Ensure all required materials are available for pre-series builds.
• Long Lead-Time Component Purchase Management:
  • Identify and manage the procurement and tracking of long lead-time components critical to product and component changes and take proactive actions to mitigate supply chain risks.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Align and work closely with Production Planners, Engineering, Quality, and other key stakeholders to ensure all procurement activities support project timelines and objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of procurement experience, ideally in NPI, manufacturing, or engineering environments.

Preferred Skills and abilities:

• Experience supporting product/component changes and managing material transitions.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools (SAP is a must).
• Strong communication skills, self-driven and agile mindset.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• English (French and or Dutch is a plus).
• Ability to travel.