Description
Position Title: Product Procurement Lead
Department: Procurement
Reports To: Director of Procurement
General Summary
The Product Procurement Lead is a strategic, high-impact role responsible for owning all procurement and sourcing activities related to New Product Initiatives (NPI). From concept through commercialization, you’ll be at the forefront of DECKED’s product innovation efforts identifying suppliers, securing critical materials and components, and ensuring Go-To-Market timelines are supported by a strong supply base. This role demands a forward-thinking procurement professional who can balance cost, speed, innovation, and quality. The Procurement Lead must thrive in a cross-functional environment, bridging Development and Production teams to deliver seamless results.
Essential Job Functions
* Drive procurement and strategic sourcing efforts for new product initiatives, managing the full journey from concept and feasibility to production launch
* Develop and implement sourcing strategies for critical components, materials and packaging for next-generation DECKED products
* Manage the end-to-end process for all NPI projects, ensuring clear requirements and responsiveness of supplier proposals
* Partner with Engineering and R&D early in the product development cycle to influence design for manufacturability and recommend optimal materials or suppliers
* Execute and manage Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with suppliers to safeguard confidential information during sourcing and product development activities
* Negotiate pricing and commercial terms with NPI suppliers
* Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, acting as the primary commercial point of contact during product development
* Issue and manage purchase orders for first buys, ensuring accuracy in specifications, quantities, and delivery dates to support prototype builds, pre-production runs, and initial market launches
* Monitor supplier performance during prototyping, pilot builds, and initial production runs, ensuring adherence to quality and delivery expectations
* Identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as lead time challenges, capacity constraints, and dual sourcing
* Create cost models to guide sourcing decisions
* Collaborate with Category Managers to align supplier pipelines with the product roadmap and upcoming development needs
* Ensure the smooth and documented transition of supplier relationships and contracts to the operational procurement team post-launch
* Issue Supplier Quality Assessments to validate and qualify that NPI suppliers meet DECKED’s performance, compliance, and scalability standards
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
* Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business
* 3+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with a strong focus on new product development or NPI environments
* Proven success in sourcing innovative components and materials, ideally in consumer products, automotive, or outdoor equipment industries
* Strong negotiation skills and contract management experience
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical teams and business units
* Experience with ERP systems required (i.e. NetSuite, SAP)
* Experience in Project Management software and CAD preferred (Asana, SolidWorks, Microsoft Office)
* Ability to travel to engage suppliers as needed
Compensation And Benefits
* Compensation DOE
* Health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance
* 401k with match
* Paid parental leave
* Wellness
* Free water, decent coffee, nice people
* Vacation
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr