NPI (NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION) SPECIALIST

Leading the charge of developing cutting edge hardware systems.

Collaborative and highly skilled cross-functional team.

Shaping the future of computing in key industries, turning ideas into reality.

That is what we do at J-Squared.

Are you passionate about using disruptive technology to solve problems previously unachievable? Are you excited about the latest innovations that are allowing us to create more powerful hardware in smaller form factors? Do you like getting your hands dirty while driving results and collaborating with colleagues? If this interests you, then we have an opportunity waiting for you!

What will your typical day look like?

As an NPI (New Product Introduction) Specialist, you will report to the Procurement Lead. You will be responsible for procuring materials and components for J-Squared’s Octagon Systems product family to ensure the company’s operational needs are met.

This includes selecting the right components considering price, quality, delivery and ensuring continuity of supply. You will work with a cross-functional team, including supply management, engineering, and production.

Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• Sourcing and Procurement. Source, select (working closely with engineering), and procure materials, components, and services required for NPI projects, ensuring alignment with engineering specifications and quality standards.
• Receipt, management, and translation of SAP Purchase Requisitions into Purchase Orders.
• Organize and manage raw material inventory within SAP to ensure accurate stock levels are reflected and can be relied upon for planning and production.
• Research discrepancies in requisitions and invoices to determine appropriate corrective actions (if necessary) which includes supplier follow-up to resolve issues.
• Supplier Management. Identify and evaluate potential suppliers for critical components and materials related to NPI; including identifying primary and sourcing options. * Obtain quotations from potential suppliers to identify best possible costs while ensuring lead time requirements are observed and maintained.
• Support negotiating pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure favorable agreements.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure consistent quality, on-time delivery, and flexibility to accommodate changing NPI requirements.
• Lead quarter supplier assessments and reviews to ensure J-Squared is receiving the best possible service.
• Supply Chain Strategy and Planning. Collaborate with the engineering team to understand product requirements, specifications, and timelines for new product launches.
• Develop a comprehensive NPI procurement strategy that ensures timely availability of materials while optimizing costs.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, engineering, production, and quality assurance, to align supply chain activities with NPI objectives.
• Generate reports and costed BOMs to support the purchasing and quoting process for new projects.
• Risk Management. Identify potential risks in the supply chain that could impact NPI schedules and propose mitigation strategies. * Proactively monitor industry trends, market dynamics, and geopolitical factors that could affect the availability and cost of critical components.
• Drive efforts to reduce lead times, minimize supply chain risks, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
• Collaboration and Communication. Foster strong communication and collaboration between the supply chain team and other departments, particularly engineering, to anticipate needs and resolve issues.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on NPI procurement progress, challenges, and opportunities.

About Our Team

J-Squared has over 30 years of experience excelling in operationally demanding performance environments. Our ruggedized products and solutions are innovative, needs driven, and focused on quality and reliability. Our Octagon Systems line of products is a global leader in rugged computer systems built for use in extreme environments such as mining, defence & military, transportation, and marine. We architect and manufacture systems that work no matter what.

J-Squared’s significant growth has resulted in the company expanding its team to meet this increased demand.

Enough About Us, Let’s Talk About You

For a candidate to be successful in this role, the key qualifications include:

• 5+ years of purchasing, supply chain, or strategic sourcing experience within the manufacturing, hardware, and/or electronics industries.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience fostering, managing, and maintaining strategic vendor relationships.
• Experience leading or supporting negotiations for favourable pricing, terms, etc.
• Experience with ERP tools such as SAP and Product Lifecycle Management tools such as AgilePLM.
• Proficient with basic office computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; Google Suite).
• Ability to collect, track, and analyze large amounts of data.

Additionally, we are looking for someone who is:

• Ability to multi-task while remaining focused on completing all tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Highly motivated and energetic
• Strong problem-solving skills and strategic thinking ability
• Excellent team player with strong communication and collaboration skills
• Able to obtain and maintain a positive Controlled Goods Assessment

Take The Next Step

Please submit your application via this LinkedIn posting. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

J-Squared respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities and provides accommodation and support to persons with disabilities throughout any recruitment process, once made aware of a need for accommodation. If you require any special accommodation or support during the recruitment process, please indicate so in your application.