NPI Buyer

Senior NPI Buyer

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 plus benefits (depending on experience)

Location: Hayes, Middlesex 

Contract Type: Permanent role

Sector: Manufacturing

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday

Are you an experienced procurement professional looking to play a key role in driving new product innovation within a leading manufacturing environment? We’re seeking a Senior NPI Buyer to join our dynamic team and take ownership of sourcing, supplier management, and procurement activities that support the successful delivery of new product introduction (NPI) programmes.

As the Senior NPI Buyer, you’ll collaborate closely with engineering, R&D, and project teams to ensure materials and components are sourced on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You’ll also play a pivotal role in developing and coaching suppliers through APQP processes, ensuring they are aligned with programme and production requirements.

Key Responsibilities for the Senior NPI Buyer:

• Partner with cross-functional teams to understand NPI requirements and deliver effective procurement support.
• Source and purchase materials and components for NPI projects in line with programme schedules.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as the key point of contact for all NPI-related activities.
• Guide suppliers through APQP, PPAP, and quality planning documentation.
• Manage RFQs, supplier quotations, and cost evaluations.
• Track supplier performance, escalating risks where necessary.
• Support engineering change management and maintain accurate BOM data.
• Contribute to project reviews, providing regular updates on supply chain progress and risks.
• Assist in the smooth transition from NPI to production, ensuring supplier readiness and cost efficiency.

The appointed Senior NPI Buyer role will need to meet the  following key requirements:

• Degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ procurement experience, ideally within NPI or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of sourcing processes, supply chain management, and BOM structures.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (IFS preferred).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications for the selected Senior NPI Buyer:

• Experience in either mechanical engineering, precision components, mechanical machined parts or high-pressure systems.
• Knowledge of NPI lifecycles from prototype through to production release.
• Familiarity with APQP / PPAP / supplier quality principles.
• APICS or CIPS Level 4 qualification.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and working with quality processes.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior NPI Buyer who wants to make a real impact on innovation and supply chain excellence within a forward-thinking manufacturing business. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career as a Senior NPI Buyer, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to become our next Senior NPI Buyer and be part of shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.