Advanced Sourcing Specialist

About the role

The Molex Optical Connectivity Group is seeking a highly driven NPI Sourcing Specialist/Engineer to lead sourcing and supply chain activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Product Development (NPD) programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Supply Chain/Procurement representative for assigned NPI/NPD programs, ensuring sourcing decisions align to program objectives, customer requirements, and launch timelines.
• Partner cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Process Engineering, Product/Program Management, and Finance to translate technical requirements into actionable sourcing strategies.
• Participate in design reviews to influence component selection, manufacturability, and cost optimization.
• Develop and execute sourcing plans that deliver a fully costed Bill of Materials (BOM) aligned with lead-time, cost, and profitability targets.
• Leverage existing Molex components and suppliers whenever possible to reduce complexity, accelerate development, and maximize spend leverage.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers when needed for new technologies/capabilities, including capability assessments, audits, and supplier risk reviews.
• Lead supplier engagement for NPI activities, including early technical alignment, RFQs/quotes, and negotiation of pricing, lead-times, flexibility, and development support.
• Act as procurement project lead on cross-functional NPI teams, tracking milestones and ensuring on-time delivery of prototypes, pilot builds, and pre-production materials.
• Own program cost modeling and BOM roll-ups; monitor supplier lead-times and performance, proactively identifying supply risks and driving mitigation plans to protect schedules.
• Provide regular status updates to internal stakeholders (and customers as appropriate) and contribute to broader strategic initiatives (supplier consolidation, cost reduction, and market/technology trend inputs for long-term sourcing strategy).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or Economics
• 5+ years in sourcing or procurement within a manufacturing or OEM environment
• Experience in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP)
• Proven experience managing complex Bill of Materials (BOMs)
• Experience in contract manufacturing or build-to-print environments

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience supporting New Product Development (NPD) programs
• Experience in Fiber Optic Manufacturing operations and related components

Skills

• Technical understanding
• Strategic sourcing capability
• Supplier management experience
• Strong cross-functional collaboration

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• Retail
• Paid Vacation/Time Off
• Education Assistance
• May also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance

Pay

$85,000 - $120,000 per year

Schedule

This is a hybrid role based in Lisle, IL, Hudson, WI, or Eden Prairie, MN.