NPI Senior Buyer

EXALTA is seeking a NPI Senior Buyer, where you will lead sourcing and supplier engagement for new product introductions from concept through commercialization. In this role, you’ll partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and quality teams to ensure cost-effective, scalable supply solutions that support rapid innovation and market launch. This position is ideal for an experienced strategic procurement professional who thrives in fast-paced environments. This role is in the Integrated OEM Solutions business unit of EXALTA. Company website: exalta.com

Job Title: NPI Senior Buyer
Industry: Orthopedic Medical Devices
Location: Onsite in either Bethlehem, PA / Marquette, MI
Department: Supply Chain
Reports To: Senior Global Procurement Manager

Position Summary

The NPI (New Product Introduction) Senior Buyer is responsible for leading sourcing and supplier management activities for new orthopedic medical device programs from concept through commercialization. This role partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams to ensure materials, components, and suppliers are qualified, cost-effective, and capable of supporting product launch timelines and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate combines strong procurement expertise with experience in medical device product development and supplier qualification, ensuring supply chain readiness for successful product launches.

Key Responsibilities

NPI Sourcing & Supplier Strategy

• Lead procurement activities supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs from design through production ramp.


• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for orthopedic device components including machined parts, implants, instruments, sterilization services, and packaging.


• Develop sourcing strategies aligned with cost, quality, regulatory, and timeline objectives.


• Conduct supplier capability assessments and risk evaluations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering during design phases to ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM).


• Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure suppliers meet medical device regulatory requirements (ISO, FDA, etc.).


• Support cross-functional product development teams during stage-gate reviews and NPI program milestones.

Supplier Qualification & Development

• Manage supplier onboarding including:
  
  
  
  • Supplier qualification
  
  
  • Quality documentation
  
  
  • First article inspections
  
  


• Drive supplier development initiatives to ensure scalability and reliability.

Cost & Contract Management

• Lead cost negotiations and establish commercial agreements for new suppliers.


• Develop and track should-cost models and cost reduction opportunities.


• Support BOM cost targets and margin objectives for new products.

Supply Chain Readiness

• Ensure procurement readiness for product launch including:
  
  
  
  • Material availability
  
  
  • Safety stock planning
  
  
  • Supplier capacity verification
  
  


• Manage prototype, pilot, and production material procurement.


• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks that may impact launch timelines.

Continuous Improvement

• Develop procurement processes and tools to support scalable NPI programs.


• Track supplier performance metrics including delivery, quality, and responsiveness.


• Implement best practices for supplier management in regulated medical device environments.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field.


• 5 years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience.


• 3 years supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.


• Experience in medical device, orthopedic, or regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred. i.e. precision machining, implants, surgical instruments, or medical device components preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of:
  
  
  
  • Supplier qualification processes
  
  
  • Medical device quality systems
  
  
  • Regulatory requirements (FDA, ISO 13485)
  
  
  • Cost modeling and contract negotiation
  
  


• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and supplier management tools.


• Advanced Excel

Soft Skills

• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.


• Ability to manage multiple NPI programs simultaneously.


• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.


• Ability to work in a fast-paced product development environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting orthopedic implants or surgical instrumentation.


• Experience with global supplier networks.

Key Success Metrics

• On-time NPI launch support


• BOM cost targets achieved


• Supply chain readiness at product launch


• Supplier quality and delivery performance