Universal Instruments Corporation

Strategic Procurement Specialist III

Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in supply chain, engineering, or manufacturing or equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years of procurement or sourcing experience, including support for NPI or product development.
  • Strong skills in supplier negotiation and relationship management.
  • Proven project management experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Solid understanding of BOM structures and mechanical/electromechanical components.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems like SAP; familiarity with PDM systems preferred.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T principles.

Responsibilities

  • Lead procurement and sourcing for NPI and product development initiatives.
  • Serve as the materials liaison for engineering, ensuring material deliverables are met.
  • Drive cost management and supply chain continuity to meet project schedules.
  • Monitor and track all components within the Bill of Materials (BOM).
  • Collaborate with engineering to guide sourcing decisions and ensure supplier readiness.
  • Issue RFQs/RFPs, analyze supplier proposals, and select vendors based on key criteria.
  • Negotiate supplier agreements and manage long-term pricing strategies.

Benefits

  • Robust benefits package including health and retirement plans.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible working arrangements, including potential remote work.
  • Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
  • Travel opportunities to supplier or customer sites as needed.
Full Job Description
DESCRIPTION

Summary:

This role serves as the materials and sourcing lead supporting product development and New Product Introduction (NPI). The position drives sourcing strategy from early design through production launch, ensuring cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and supplier readiness. The role partners closely with engineering, manufacturing, and program management while managing multiple projects, influencing sourcing decisions, and ensuring materials align with project schedules.

Principal Accountabilities:
  • Lead sourcing and procurement activities supporting NPI and product development programs.
  • Act as materials point of contact for engineering; manage all materials deliverables across projects.
  • Drive cost, delivery, and supply continuity while ensuring materials are available per project timelines.
  • Track and manage all components within the Bill of Materials (BOM).
  • Partner with engineering to influence sourcing decisions and ensure supplier readiness for prototype and production.
  • Issue RFQs/RFPs, analyze cost, and select suppliers based on quality, delivery, and cost competitiveness.
  • Negotiate and manage supplier agreements and long-term pricing strategies.
  • Perform make vs. buy analysis and develop cost / lead-time models.
  • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including long lead-time and single-source components.
  • Develop new sources for difficult-to-obtain materials and manage supplier relationships.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams and integrate supplier interaction across engineering, manufacturing, and sourcing.
  • Manage supplier capacity, inventory exposure, and disposition of excess or obsolete materials.
  • Create purchase orders, manage delivery expediting, and maintain accurate SAP data (pricing, lead times, supplier info).
  • Present material status, cost, and risks to leadership.
  • Manage supplier performance through scorecards and continuous improvement initiatives.


Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience in supply chain, engineering, or manufacturing.
  • 7+ years of procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience, including NPI or product development support.
  • Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management experience.
  • Project management experience with ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of BOM structures and mechanical/electromechanical components.
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP; knowledge of PDM systems (e.g., Windchill) preferred.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings (including GD&T).
  • Strong analytical skills including cost modeling and Excel proficiency.
  • Effective communication skills across all organizational levels.
  • Experience in electronics or ISO-certified manufacturing environments preferred.


Responsibility for Quality Procedures or Direct Product Quality:
  • Adheres to Universal Quality System policies and procedures and uses standard problem-solving tools to continuously improve processes.


Physical Demands:.
  • Ability to communicate clearly in presentations and with colleagues.
  • Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while also moving through work areas.
  • Frequent computer use required.
  • Ability to travel to supplier or customer sites as needed (


Target Annual Base Pay: $80,000 - $95,000 + Bonus + Robust Benefits

REQUIREMENTS

About Universal Instruments Corporation

Universal Instruments Corporation is a manufacturing company that produces advanced automation and assembly equipment for the electronics industry. The company was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Conklin, New York. Universal Instruments Corporation offers a range of products, including surface mount technology (SMT) equipment, through-hole technology (THT) equipment, and automation solutions. The company serves a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical. Universal Instruments Corporation has locations throughout the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia.
Learn more about Universal Instruments Corporation
Size
1,000 employees
Industry
Net Income
$5 million
5 Year Trend
+5%
Revenue
$100 million

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Universal Instruments Corporation

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Strategic Procurement Specialist III jobs: