NPD Materials Specialist

Life Unlimited. At Smith and Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living

We are seeking an experienced NPD Materials Specialist to play a pivotal role in ensuring material readiness for new product introductions and successful product launches. This position serves as the key connection between New Product Development Procurement and Manufacturing Operations, ensuring a smooth transition from product development into full-scale production.

If you are passionate about supply chain operations, procurement, material planning, and cross-functional collaboration, this is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact on the success of innovative new products.

What will you need to be successful?  

• Develop and maintain Plans for Every Part (PFEPs) across multiple NPD projects, including BOM structures, supplier information, forecasts, pricing, lead times, and delivery status.
• Coordinate material readiness to support validation builds, pilot runs, and product launches.
• Manage temporary purchasing activities before SAP purchasing processes are established.
• Expedite supplier deliveries to ensure project milestones and launch timelines are met.
• Track and maintain open orders, shortages, and delivery performance reports.
• Support SAP procurement master data setup required for successful product launches.
• Assist in transitioning temporary purchasing activities into standard SAP purchasing processes.
• Partner with NPD Procurement Engineers, planning teams, buyer/planners, and suppliers to proactively resolve supply risks and material issues.
• Lead the formal handoff of suppliers, forecasts, purchase orders, and PFEP data to the manufacturing Buyer/Planner organization.
• Support launch stabilization activities to ensure uninterrupted supply during production ramp-up.

What will you need to be successful?  

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in: Procurement Purchasing Material Planning Supply Chain Operations Manufacturing Support Expediting

Preferred Experience

• Supporting New Product Introductions (NPI/NPD) or product launch activities.
• Working with Bills of Material (BOMs), forecasts, and supplier master data.
• Experience with SAP, Ariba, or other ERP systems.

Key Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Strong understanding of procurement, materials management, and supplier operations.
• Ability to interpret and manage Bills of Material and product structures.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to mitigate supply risks before they impact the business.

What Success Looks Like

• In this role, success will be measured by:
• Accurate and complete PFEP management
• On-time material availability for development builds and product launches
• Effective management of temporary purchasing activities before SAP integration
• Smooth transition into standard SAP purchasing processes
• Successful handoff to manufacturing Buyer/Planner teams
• Strong launch execution and supply continuity

This is more than a traditional purchasing role. The NPD Materials Specialist acts as the operational owner of material readiness during one of the most critical phases of the product lifecycle: the transition from development to manufacturing. You will work across global teams, suppliers, procurement, planning, and operations to ensure new products launch successfully and reach customers on time.

Before applying, please note that this position is not eligible for employer-sponsored immigration support. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States and must not require S+N sponsorship now or in the future to maintain that authorization.

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You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    

• Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).
• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement  
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.