R&D Procurement Manager

BD; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

BD, a leading global medical technology company, is seeking an R&D Procurement Manager in Durham, NC. You will partner with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to drive procurement-enabled innovation through prototype sourcing and supplier qualifications.

The role focuses on rapid prototyping, supplier collaboration, and building a robust supplier network to support product development from concept to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• 5 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Supplier Development, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Project Management.
• Proven track record in supplier scouting, supplier qualification, supplier development, and supply base optimization.
• Strong experience identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new supplier partners in complex manufacturing environments.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Embed procurement partner within cross-functional development teams to enable procurement-driven innovation and accelerate product development timelines.
• Engage suppliers early in design to leverage technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and innovation potential.
• Drive rapid prototyping and supplier collaboration to shorten development cycles and speed commercialization.
• Develop and maintain a global network of suppliers in automation, precision mechanics, electromechanical systems, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
• Lead supplier qualifications, technical assessments, and capability evaluations to ensure alignment with requirements.
• Build and maintain a supplier pipeline to support future growth and supply resilience.
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier transitions toward higher-performing suppliers.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier development

Cross-functional leadership

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Procurement

Job description

We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description

The R&D Procurement Manager is a strategic member of BD's Global Procurement Organization supporting the Pharmacy Automation business. This role partners closely with Advanced Procurement Engineers, R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to drive procurement-enabled innovation throughout the product development lifecycle.

As the procurement lead for prototype sourcing, supplier qualification, and innovation partnerships, you'll help accelerate product development, identify emerging technologies, optimize supplier networks, and ensure a seamless transition from prototype to full-scale production.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an embedded procurement partner within cross-functional development teams, enabling procurement-driven innovation and accelerating product development timelines.

• Engage suppliers early in the design process to leverage their technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and innovation potential.

• Drive rapid prototyping and supplier collaboration to shorten development cycles and support faster commercialization.

• Develop and maintain a robust global network of suppliers specializing in automation technologies, precision mechanics, electromechanical systems, electronics, and advanced manufacturing solutions.

• Continuously scout emerging technologies, innovative suppliers, and strategic partners to enhance BD's competitive advantage.

• Lead supplier qualifications, technical assessments, and capability evaluations to ensure alignment with business and technical requirements.

• Build and maintain a strong supplier pipeline to support future growth, sourcing flexibility, and business continuity.

• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier transitions toward higher-performing and more competitive suppliers.

• Lead market intelligence activities, supplier benchmarking, and competitive assessments across mechanical and electromechanical categories.

• Support supply base optimization initiatives that improve cost competitiveness, innovation capabilities, quality performance, and supply resilience.

• Develop Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Should-Cost, and Built-In Cost models to support informed sourcing and design decisions.

• Influence make-versus-buy decisions, modularization strategies, standardization initiatives, and platform optimization efforts early in development.

• Drive Design-to-Cost and Value Engineering initiatives to ensure products achieve target cost objectives without compromising performance or quality.

• Represent the Voice of the Supplier within development teams by actively contributing to Design Reviews, DFMEA/PFMEA activities, Control Plans, and manufacturing readiness assessments.

• Collaborate closely with suppliers to oversee Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), qualification activities, and launch readiness.

• Ensure successful industrialization and smooth transfer from prototype to serial production environments.

• Continuously improve Advanced Procurement processes, tools, and governance frameworks to increase efficiency, transparency, and speed.

• Own procurement-related performance metrics during development and launch phases, ensuring achievement of cost, quality, delivery, and timeline objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

• 5 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Supplier Development, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Project Management.

• Proven track record in supplier scouting, supplier qualification, supplier development, and supply base optimization.

• Strong experience identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new supplier partners in complex manufacturing environments.

• Ability to travel up to 15%

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, supplier economics, cost structures, and global industrial supply chains.

• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional initiatives within global organizations.

• Strong negotiation, project management, and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation capabilities.

• Technical background with exposure to Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or Supply Chain is highly desirable.

• Action-oriented problem solver with a strong "Go-and-See" mentality.

• Naturally curious and proactive in identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical requirements, commercial objectives, and operational constraints.

• Capable of translating complex technical and commercial challenges into actionable sourcing strategies.

• Growth mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous learning.

• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and highly driven to challenge the status quo.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Resilient and adaptable in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

• Exceptional influencing and relationship-building skills across global and cross-functional teams.

• Collaborative team player capable of leading through influence and driving alignment among diverse stakeholders.

• Comfortable operating in ambiguity while managing multiple priorities and strategic initiatives simultaneously.

• Results-oriented with a strong focus on converting sourcing opportunities into measurable business value, competitive advantage, and sustainable growth.

At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers.

Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

USA NC - Durham - Roche Drive