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.

**This position is not offering any type of visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future**

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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.

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