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.