Job Description:
This role is a technical-commercial hybrid designed to bridge the gap between Engineering and Procurement. Reporting to the Materials Manager, this role is responsible for strategically supporting New Product Development (NPD), leading Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives and upholding supplier quality standards.
This position is an onsite role in Appleton, WI.
Essential Functions:
New Production Development
- Materials lead on all NPD projects sourcing materials, components that meet technical specifications, quality standards, and project timelines.
- Perform Requests for Quotation (RFQ), total cost analysis, and negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and contracts while ensuring supplier performance meets expectations. Ensure new and current suppliers align with both engineering requirements and operational strategy.
- Perform risk analyses on potential suppliers evaluating financial stability, technical capability, and capacity.
- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bill of materials (BOMs) for sourcing feasibility. Provide input during product design to ensure manufacturability and cost competitiveness.
- Ensure adherence to the Approved Vendor List. Play a key role in identifying, evaluating, selecting and qualifying new suppliers
VA/VE & Cost Optimization
- Identify opportunities for design changes, material substitutions, or process improvements that reduce total product cost without sacrificing quality. Propose alternate materials, designs, or processes in collaboration with engineering and suppliers.
- Partner with suppliers to co-develop innovative, lower-cost solutions.
- Monitor industry trends, new technologies, and alternative sourcing markets.
- Analyze cost comparisons between new and existing models, identify pricing inconsistencies (e.g., higher costs for simpler parts), and collaborate with suppliers and design teams to implement changes like process optimizations or design simplifications without affecting functionality, strength, or quality.
- Drive sole‑source minimization by identifying alternate materials, processes, or qualified suppliers to reduce supply risk, improve cost competitiveness, and increase sourcing flexibility.
Supplier Quality & Non-Conformance
- Analyze non-conformance trends to identify systemic issues within the supply base.
- Act as the technical liaison between Engineering and Suppliers to resolve quality roadblocks and interpret specifications.
- Drive Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action conversations with suppliers to ensure permanent resolution of recurring technical issues.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial)
Experience: 3-5 years in procurement, purchasing, engineering, or supply chain roles within technical or manufacturing environments
Skills:
- Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, supplier selection and contract negotiation
- Strong understanding of VA/VE principles and experience applying them to reduce costs and improve product value.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and engineering principles.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional teamwork.
- Proven technical-commercial acumen (able to balance engineering and purchasing needs).
- Understanding engineering drawings, specifications and manufacturing processes to make informed procurement decisions
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ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
