NPI Buyer – Automotive Business at Koch Inc. in El Salto, Jalisco, MX

Your Job

Molex is seeking an experienced and proactive NPI Buyer to support the development, industrialization, and successful launch of new products within our Automotive Business.

In this role, you will drive purchasing activities throughout the New Product Introduction (NPI/NPD) lifecycle, from early product development and prototypes through validation, ramp-up, and production launch.

You will partner closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, and suppliers to ensure material readiness, supplier performance, competitive cost, and alignment with critical program milestones.

This role goes beyond transactional purchasing. We are looking for someone who can anticipate supply risks, solve material constraints, influence suppliers and cross-functional teams, and take ownership of material and supplier readiness throughout the product launch process.

What You Will Do

• Lead purchasing activities for NPI/NPD programs, from prototype and validation builds through Start of Production (SOP) and ramp-up.
• Ensure material and supplier readiness in alignment with project milestones and launch requirements.
• Manage procurement of electronic and automotive components, including PCB/PCBA, semiconductors, connectors, passive components, and electromechanical parts.
• Manage BOMs, engineering changes (ECR/ECO/ECN), lead times, MOQs, AML/AVL, and component obsolescence risks.
• Proactively identify single-source, long-lead-time, constrained, and high-risk components and develop mitigation plans.
• Support RFQs, supplier selection, negotiations, and cost analysis, considering Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Partner with Engineering and Quality on alternate sourcing, material qualification, APQP/PPAP, and launch requirements.
• Monitor supplier capacity, delivery commitments, and performance, proactively escalating and resolving risks.
• Coordinate the effective transition of NPI programs into sustained production.

Who You Are – Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Business Administration, International Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Purchasing, Procurement, Sourcing, Materials, or Supplier Management, with relevant experience supporting NPI/NPD or new product launches.
• Experience sourcing electronic components, PCB/PCBA, semiconductors, connectors, or other technically complex materials.
• Experience with BOM management, MRP, engineering changes, material planning, supplier lead times, MOQs, and supplier management.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; SAP experience is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, and risk-management skills.
• Advanced English proficiency, both written and verbal, for interaction with global stakeholders and suppliers.

What Will Put You Ahead

• 5–7 years of direct NPI/NPD purchasing experience, ideally within Automotive, Automotive Electronics, SMT, or high-volume electronics manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of SMT and PCBA manufacturing and electronic component supply chains.
• Experience with SAP.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, and PPAP.
• Experience within Tier 1 Automotive suppliers, Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS), or global electronics manufacturers.
• Experience working with global suppliers, supplier qualification, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• APICS/ASCM, CPIM, CSCP, CPSM, or Lean Six Sigma certification.

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

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