Sr Buyer Circuit Protection Product Development

Job description

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward. Reporting directly to the Category Manager, the Senior Buyer, Circuit Protection Product Development will lead procurement engagement with the Industrial Circuit Protection (ICP) New Product Development teams located in Piedras Negras, Mexico and Champaign, Illinois. You will support successful product launches by ensuring purchased materials meet targeted quality, cost, and supply chain requirements while serving as the primary Procurement representative embedded within Engineering Product Development teams. You will be responsible for sourcing materials, tooling, prototypes, and supplier solutions required for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects while ensuring supplier engagement early in the design process to support manufacturability, quality, and supply continuity. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Engineering, Category Management, Supply Chain, Supplier Development, and suppliers to support strategic sourcing decisions, supplier qualification, AVL optimization, and successful project execution. About the Job: Lead Procurement engagement with Industrial Circuit Protection Product Development teams in support of New Product Introduction (NPI) and product development initiatives. Provide direct support to Engineering teams through sourcing of materials, tooling, prototypes, and supplier solutions required for new product development projects. Manage supplier involvement throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring supplier engagement supports Design for Manufacturability (DFM) objectives. Coordinate with Supplier Development teams to ensure supplier qualification requirements and APQP/PPAP activities are completed successfully. Lead sourcing activities including RFQs, quotation analysis, supplier evaluation, supplier selection, and commercial negotiations for new development programs. Collaborate with Category Management teams to identify and close gaps within the Approved Vendor List (AVL) and support sourcing strategies for key categories. Partner with Supply Chain teams to ensure selected suppliers support operational requirements related to lead times, MOQ, logistics, inventory strategies, and packaging requirements. Own and continuously improve the IBU Procurement New Product Development process to support successful NPI execution. Advocate for supplier base improvements and sourcing strategies that support future growth, innovation, and product development initiatives. Collaborate with Procurement NPI teams across business units to align best practices and strengthen procurement processes. Monitor project cost, quality, timing, supplier readiness, and sourcing milestones to ensure successful product launches. Utilize Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, and other business tools to support sourcing analysis, project management, and stakeholder communication. Travel as required to support supplier visits, sourcing activities, and business needs. About You: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related discipline. PMP Certification, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent certifications are highly valued. Minimum 5 years of experience in Procurement, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, or related functions within an industrial manufacturing environment. Preferred experience supporting Product Development, Engineering programs, or New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives. Strong understanding of sourcing processes, particularly within Product Development environments. Experience managing supplier relationships, supplier qualification activities, RFQs, sourcing strategies, and supplier performance management. Experience with APQP, PPAP, UL requirements, and structured project management environments. Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word, and Visio. Fluent English and Spanish required. Demonstrated competencies in Initiative, Ownership of Results, Sourcing, Negotiation, Time Management, and Collaboration. Self-motivated, customer-focused, and able to operate effectively within a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Littelfuse strives to empower associate growth and development in a culture of ongoing collaboration and respect for diverse global perspectives and expertise. Our Core Values — Customer Focus, Integrity, Innovation, Teamwork, and Results-Driven — support us on our mission to improve the safety, reliability, efficiency, and performance of our customers' products and systems. We are an equal opportunity employer that takes pride in giving every associate the means and courage to make a difference — everywhere, every day. #LI-MMV At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.