Buyer Planner, NPI

Locus Robotics is a global leader in warehouse automation, delivering unmatched flexibility and unlimited throughput, and actionable intelligence to optimize operations. Powered by LocusONE, an AI-driven platform, our advanced autonomous mobile robots seamlessly integrate into existing warehouse environments to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and scale operations with ease.

Trusted by over 150 industry leading retail, healthcare, 3PL, and industrial brands in over 350 sites worldwide, Locus enables warehouse operators to achieve rapid ROI, minimize labor costs, and continuously improve productivity. Our industry-first Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model ensures ongoing innovation, scalability, and cost-effectiveness without the burden of significant capital investments. With proven capabilities in diverse workflows—from picking and replenishment to sorting and pack-out—Locus Robotics empowers businesses to meet peak demands and adapt to ever-changing operational needs.

The NPI Buyer Planner plays a key role in being responsible for ensuring seamless material availability for prototype builds, pilot production, and product launch. You will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to accelerate time-to-market for our innovative AMR solutions. The right candidate will enjoy working in a fast-paced collaborative startup environment and bring experience coordinating product launch from prototype to production.

This hybrid role is primarily based at Locus Park in Wilmington, MA, with responsibilities extending to other Locus locations as needed. The first project will be based in our Nashua, NH office and is expected to run for approximately six months. During this time, there may be weeks where full onsite presence (five days per week) is required. We are looking for a candidate who can be flexible with onsite work and travel between offices as needed.

Responsibilities

• Material Planning & Procurement: Develop and execute procurement plans for new product development and introduction, ensuring materials are available to meet engineering and production schedules.
• Material Coordination: Oversee the receipt, tracking, and movement of materials at the NPI facility, ensuring proper handling, storage, and timely availability for builds.
• Production Readiness: Ensure a smooth transition from prototype to production, supporting pilot builds and resolving supplier or material issues.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Sourcing, and Manufacturing teams to understand material requirements, lead times, and design changes.
• Supplier Management: Support strategic sourcing efforts, qualify, and onboard suppliers to support NPI, negotiating terms and ensuring cost-effective sourcing.
• BOM Management: Collaborate with Engineering and Program Manager to manage Bill of Materials (BOM), ensuring accuracy, cost optimization, and manufacturability.
• Inventory Control: Maintain optimal inventory levels for NPI builds, balancing cost and availability.
• Cost & Lead Time Optimization: Work with suppliers to reduce costs, improve lead times, and ensure timely delivery of critical components.
• Data & Reporting: Track key supply chain metrics for NPI, providing reports and insights to drive strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, planning, or supply chain roles, preferably in robotics, automotive, aerospace, or electronics industries.
• Extensive experience managing NPI, prototype builds, and fast-paced product development cycles.
• Proven track record experience procuring and knowledge of key commodities such as Electro-mechanical components, PCBAs, Motors, Sheet-Metal, Plastics, Castings, Extrusions.
• Strong project management skills to drive NPI procurement activities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills – proficient with advanced application functions such as pivot tables, lookups, conditional lists, macros, etc.
• Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems for procurement and planning (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering drawings - ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings/blue prints.
• Experience in robotics, automation, hardware start-ups, or launching new products.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and supply chain optimization techniques.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced start-up environment with shifting priorities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Additional Information  

Locus Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.