Advanced Sourcing Specialist

Molex; Lisle (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a highly driven NPI Sourcing Specialist/Engineer to lead sourcing and supply chain activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs. This role involves collaboration across teams to align sourcing strategies with technical requirements and cost targets. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management and over 5 years of experience in sourcing within a manufacturing environment. The position offers competitive pay and is hybrid based in Illinois.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sourcing or procurement within a manufacturing or OEM environment.
• Proven experience managing complex BOMs.
• Experience in contract manufacturing or build-to-print environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary supply chain/procurement representative for assigned NPI/NPD programs.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering and product management to align sourcing decisions.
• Lead supplier engagement for NPI activities including negotiation of pricing and lead-times.
• Own program cost modeling and monitor supplier lead-times and performance.

Skills

Sourcing

Supply Chain Management

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Economics

Tools

ERP/MRP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP)

Job description

Your Job

The Molex Optical Connectivity Group is seeking a highly driven NPI Sourcing Specialist/Engineer to lead sourcing and supply chain activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Product Development (NPD) programs. In this role, you will serve as the primary supply chain interface for assigned customer and internal development programs, ensuring that sourcing strategies align with technical requirements, cost targets, and program timelines.

This position requires a blend of technical understanding, strategic sourcing capability, supplier management experience, and strong cross‑functional collaboration. You will work closely with engineering, product management, program management, finance, and category sourcing teams to deliver competitive, reliable, and scalable supply solutions for emerging products in the fiber optic connectivity space.

Location: This is a hybrid role based in Lisle, IL, Hudson, WI, or Eden Prairie, MN.

Our Team

You’ll join a fast‑paced, innovative, and customer‑focused team within the Optical Connectivity Group, a leader in fiber optic connectivity solutions. The environment is dynamic, growth‑oriented, and highly collaborative—ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex sourcing challenges and influencing product development from the ground up.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the primary supply chain/procurement representative for assigned NPI/NPD programs, ensuring sourcing decisions align with program objectives, customer requirements, and launch timelines.
• Partner cross‑functionally with design engineering, process engineering, product/program management, and finance to translate technical requirements into actionable sourcing strategies.
• Participate in design reviews to influence component selection, manufacturability, and cost optimization.
• Develop and execute sourcing plans that deliver a fully costed bill of materials (BOM) aligned with lead‑time, cost, and profitability targets.
• Leverage existing Molex components and suppliers whenever possible to reduce complexity, accelerate development, and maximize spend leverage.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers when needed for new technologies/capabilities, including capability assessments, audits, and supplier risk reviews.
• Lead supplier engagement for NPI activities, including early technical alignment, RFQs/quotes, and negotiation of pricing, lead‑times, flexibility, and development support.
• Act as procurement project lead on cross‑functional NPI teams, tracking milestones and ensuring on‑time delivery of prototypes, pilot builds, and pre‑production materials.
• Own program cost modeling and BOM roll‑ups; monitor supplier lead‑times and performance, proactively identifying supply risks and driving mitigation plans to protect schedules.
• Provide regular status updates to internal stakeholders (and customers as appropriate) and contribute to broader strategic initiatives (supplier consolidation, cost reduction, and market/technology trend inputs for long‑term sourcing strategy).

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Economics
• 5+ years in sourcing or procurement within a manufacturing or OEM environment
• Experience in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP)
• Proven experience managing complex BOMs
• Experience in contract manufacturing or build‑to‑print environments

What Will Put You Ahead

• Demonstrated experience supporting NPD programs
• Experience in fiber‑optic manufacturing operations and related components

This position is not eligible for VISA sponsorship.

In order to comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, this position requires applicants to either provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or be eligible to receive an export authorization (a license) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations.

For this role, we anticipate paying $85,000 - $120,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E‑Verify.