NPI Project Buyer

IMI; Palmer (MA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401K plan

Maternity/Paternity leave

PTO

Career development

Job summary

IMI plc in Palmer, MA is seeking a results‑driven NPI Project Buyer to lead procurement across the product lifecycle from concept to SOP. You will work with Engineering, Quality, Project Management and Operations to ensure cost targets, quality requirements and timelines align with project goals.

The role requires strong sourcing, APQP/PPAP familiarity, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a hybrid site setting. Hybrid work in Palmer with weekly onsite presence is offered.

Qualifications

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Responsibilities

• Represent Procurement within the project core team and participate in all milestones (concept, design freeze, prototype, pilot, SOP).
• Translate project requirements (BOM, drawings, technical specs) into sourcing actions.
• Ensure supplier deliverables (DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, control plans) align with project timelines.
• Launch and manage RFQs for all new or modified components.
• Analyse quotations, build cost breakdowns, and recommend sourcing decisions.
• Ensure achievement of project cost objectives (PPV, Cost to Launch).
• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on technical capability, quality performance, financial stability, and project readiness.
• Ensure all sourcing activities comply with the approved preferred supplier list and escalate deviations.
• Drive supplier onboarding and qualification for new components and technologies.
• Support VAVE initiatives with Engineering.
• Manage procurement of prototypes and pre‑series parts on time and at project budget.
• Coordinate with suppliers on tooling, capacity planning, ramp‑up, and readiness for SOP.
• Monitor supplier APQP deliverables until PPAP approval.
• Identify risks related to suppliers, materials, lead times, and manufacturing processes.
• Build mitigation plans with suppliers and internal teams.
• Escalate issues proactively and support resolution to protect project timeline.
• Maintain project purchasing documentation (RFQ, sourcing decisions, cost tracking).
• Report status, risks, and achievements in project reviews and steering committees.

Skills

Drawings and specs understanding

Negotiation with suppliers

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management under pressure

Stakeholder management

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Purchasing, or Supply Chain

Job description

IMI plc

We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone. We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science and Transport. Our partnership approach breaks through problems and reduces complexity. We don’t invent in isolation – we collaborate with our customers. We listen closely and we think differently, creating space for diverse minds to innovate. We are working together to make businesses safer, more sustainable and more productive.

Site Overview

Our Palmer location is a $50 million business focused on the manufacturing and development of cutting‑edge products that serve a range of customers in the medical device and analytical instrumentation markets. Our products include electron multipliers, filaments, syringes, pumps, and valves.

Work Environment

Hybrid role based in Palmer, MA, with onsite presence approximately once per week and during key project milestones.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Global Procurement Director of our Life Science sector, as a NPI Project Buyer, you will play a key role in cross‑functional product development teams, leading all procurement activities throughout the product lifecycle – from early concept through industrialization and series launch. You will ensure suppliers, cost targets, quality requirements, and project timelines are aligned to enable successful New Product Introduction (NPI). The Project Buyer acts as the primary procurement interface with Engineering, Quality, Project Management, and Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent Procurement within the project core team and participate in all project milestones (concept, design freeze, prototype, pilot, SOP).
• Translate project requirements (BOM, drawings, technical specs) into sourcing actions.
• Ensure supplier deliverables (DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, control plans…) align with project timelines.
• Launch and manage RFQs for all new or modified components.
• Analyse quotations, build cost breakdowns, and recommend sourcing decisions.
• Ensure achievement of project cost objectives (PPV, Cost to Launch).
• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on technical capability, quality performance, financial stability, and project readiness.
• Ensure all sourcing activities comply with the approved preferred supplier list, challenging any deviation and escalating when necessary to maintain alignment with IMI’s category strategies.
• Drive supplier onboarding and qualification for new components and technologies.
• Support VAVE initiatives with Engineering.
• Manage procurement of prototypes and pre‑series parts on time and at project budget.
• Coordinate with suppliers on tooling, capacity planning, ramp‑up, and readiness for SOP.
• Monitor supplier APQP deliverables until PPAP approval.
• Identify risks related to suppliers, materials, lead times, and manufacturing processes.
• Build mitigation plans with suppliers and internal teams.
• Escalate issues proactively and support resolution to protect project timeline.
• Maintain project purchasing documentation (RFQ, sourcing decisions, cost tracking).
• Report status, risks, and achievements in project reviews and steering committees.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Purchasing, Supply Chain, or equivalent.
• Proven experience in Project Purchasing in an industrial environment (NPI/NPD ideally).
• Strong understanding of drawings, specifications, manufacturing processes, and tooling.
• Solid negotiation skills with suppliers (commercial + technical).
• Experience with APQP/PPAP preferred.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally under time pressure and manage multiple workstreams.
• Analytical mindset, structured communication, and strong stakeholder management.

Pay Range

$95,000 - $115,000 annually. Within this range, individual pay is determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications relative to the job requirements. Base pay information is aligned with market location and may be subject to prevailing wage laws, if applicable.

What IMI Can Offer You

• Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low‑cost share.
• Best‑in‑class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching.
• 14‑week maternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent).
• 4‑week paternity leave at full pay following one year of service (Adoption benefits are equivalent).
• Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups.
• PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays.
• Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program).
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, and in many cases free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy.
• Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family.
• Full suite of voluntary benefits to tap into, including but not limited to: Critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through our discount advantage platform.
• Short & long‑term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee.
• Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab.
• Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee only price – no opportunity to lose, only to profit or refund your investment 100%.

Benefits plans change year over year, but we have guiding principles in place to ensure our employees have the tools and resources available to stay connected and up to date.

Health and Safety

The physical demands described within the Key Duties & Responsibilities section of this job description are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Please contact your local HR representative to discuss the specific Work Conditions and Physical Requirements of this role. Health, Safety, and Environmental Duties – At IMI we are all personally committed to protecting our people, minimizing our impact to the environment, the communities we operate in and our company. All members of our workforce have the duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves, others, and the environment. Every employee is expected to follow all HSE operating procedures, also to challenge any observed behaviors or unsafe acts.

Code Of Ethics

IMI requires the highest standard of ethics in all business dealings, particularly with customers, suppliers, advisors, employees, and the authorities. In accordance with the IMI Way: Our Code of Responsible Business.

Changes To This Job Description

IMI may amend this job description in whole or part at any time.

IMI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.