Position Summary:
This role is responsible for driving the early engagement of procurement in product development programs to ensure supplier readiness, cost competitiveness, and risk mitigation. This role leads sourcing strategy for new products, technologies, and programs from concept through launch.
The NPD Senior Sourcing Manager partners cross-functionally with Engineering, R&D, Program Management, and Supply Chain to influence design decisions, secure supplier capabilities, and deliver flawless launches with robust supply chains.
As a key strategic leader, this role shapes sourcing frameworks that support innovation, cost competitiveness, and speed-to-market, while building long-term supplier partnerships that align with business growth, product and technology roadmaps.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Program Leadership
Lead sourcing activities for all new product development (NPD) and new program introduction (NPI), from concept through production ramp-up.
Develop sourcing roadmaps and early supplier involvement strategies aligned with engineering, manufacturing, and product lifecycles.
Partner with category leaders, buyers to integrate Strategic and Preferred suppliers into new product and platform designs.
Evaluate new technologies, materials, and processes to ensure supply base alignment with innovation goals.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary sourcing interface to Program Management, R&D, and Engineering teams.
Influence design-to-cost (DTC), design-for-manufacturability (DFM), and design-for-supply (DFS) decisions to balance performance, cost, and risk.
Align procurement deliverables with program timelines, budgets, and gate reviews.
Drive transparency and alignment between development milestones and sourcing activities.
Supplier Development & Risk Mitigation
Partner with Supplier Development Team to identify and qualify suppliers early in the design phase for new technologies and components.
Ensure supplier readiness for prototype, pre-production, and launch volumes.
Work jointly with Supplier Quality team to conduct risk assessments on critical components, new technologies, or unproven suppliers.
Support localization, dual sourcing, and sustainability initiatives in close coordination with Supplier Development and Quality, ensuring alignment with program objectives
Program Cost Management
Develop target costing strategies aligned with customer pricing, BOM cost goals, and margin targets.
Support negotiation of initial pricing, tooling investments, and long-lead component strategies.
Collaborate with cost engineering to evaluate make-vs-buy and component-level trade-offs.
Operational Excellence
Standardize sourcing processes across programs to reduce launch risk and improve scalability.
Implement tracking tools for sourcing deliverables, supplier milestones, and risk metrics.
Support PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and ERP system integration of BOM and sourcing data.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering, Supply Chain, or Business; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, new product development, or procurement within Automotive/Industrial or technology-driven environment.
Strong background in working with cross-functional teams on complex product launches and platform-based development.
Deep understanding of supply chain, commodity markets, and cost structures across direct materials
Proven track record of leading NPD Sourcing strategy in fast-paced, engineering-driven organizations.
Exceptional program management skills and familiarity with phase-gate or Agile development models.
Experience with supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier qualification processes.
Familiarity with digital tools (PLM, ERP, cost modeling) and data-driven sourcing.
Excellent communication, influencing, and leadership skills in a matrixed, global organization
Certifications such as PMP, CPSM, or Six Sigma Green Belt is preferred
The base pay hiring rate expected for this position is: $126,000 - $168,000.This position is eligible to participate in an incentive plan.Metrics and level of participation are determined annually.
Benefits and Perks
Methode offers US employees Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life & Disability insurance, a wellness program, and time off benefits.
Voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Pet Insurance.
Methode provides an Employee Assistance Program, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan which includes a company contribution.
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics per the EEO Poster available here . If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (708) 867-6777 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: EEO Poster, if you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (708) 867-6777 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
