Research and Development Associate jobs in Little Rock, AR

Description

• AIM or MISSION:  Work closely with cross-functional teams      including R&D, engineering, product management, and suppliers to      ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, components, and      services required for new product development projects. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/EXPECTATIONS:

• Identify needs, communicate specifications, source and select product, negotiate price and terms, send request for part number and ordering, inspect received materials, approve invoices.
• Collaborate with R&D and product development teams to understand project requirements and develop procurement strategies aligned with project timelines and budget constraints.
• Work with the key stakeholders to define the purchased materials quality specifications.
• Identify      potential co-development suppliers for materials, components, and services required  R&D projects.
• Works as the Supplier liaison between the supplier and the company, managing the ongoing vendor relationship.
• Manage the current vendor list.
• Work with suppliers to identify and present opening/licensable tooling options to the R&D team when appropriate. 
• Attend KATA meetings to review needs in new and existing products or services.
• Primary point of contact between internal stakeholders and suppliers, coordinating project activities to ensure alignment with timelines and milestones. Facilitate regular meetings and progress updates to keep all parties informed.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with supplier development activities, such as quality issues, delays, or resource constraints. Develop contingency plans to minimize the impact of potential disruptions on project timelines.
• Communicate      and manage adds, changes and revisions to suppliers for designs and specifications modifications as needed
• Work with      R&D and Purchasing to setup, configure, maintain and new parts, BOMs and other configuration updates. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Analysis/Cost Analysis
• Market Research
• Effective Communication
• Negotiation

Requirements

EDUCATION & OTHER KSA's

COMPETENCIES

 Adept with Microsoft Office software suite

 Adept with CSI (Infor Cloud Suite)

 General Knowledge of the Marine Industry

Knowledge of Veranda's Products

 COMPETENCIES
 Communication

Willingness to learn

Openness to new ideas

Teamwork