Senior Manager, Supplier Engineering - NPI (hybrid)

Senior Manager, Supplier Engineering

The Senior Manager, Supplier Engineering is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving supplier readiness and excellence in support of Insulet's new product launches. This position plays a critical role in developing component sourcing strategies and driving execution from early-stage R&D and pilot assembly through to full-scale manufacturing. It ensures suppliers are technically capable and prepared to deliver the highest quality components on time and within budget. The position requires close collaboration with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality & PMO teams to drive supplier readiness and support next gen product development. This role will have dual reporting structure to the VP of Supplier Development Engineering and the leadership for NPI programs.

Responsibilities:

• Own and lead the supplier engineering strategy for NPI programs, ensuring alignment with product launch timelines and manufacturing scalability.
• Oversee supplier validation activities including component qualification, tooling deployment, and process capability assessments.
• Partner with R&D teams to ensure supplier processes support pilot line performance, design validation, and manufacturability goals.
• Lead supplier engagement for DFM/DFA initiatives, driving early collaboration to optimize component design and production efficiency.
• Develop and execute supplier improvement programs that drive speed during early NPI phases, enhance predictability through development and qualification, and ensure long-term reliability.
• Build and lead a small high-performing team of supplier engineers focused on NPI execution, technical leadership, and strategic tooling and supplier development.
• Influence supplier selection decisions through technical capability assessments and risk-based evaluations.

• Interface with equipment vendors and suppliers to support custom tooling, fixtures, and semi-automated process development.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, ISO 13485, GMP, and internal quality standards across all supplier activities.

Key Decision Rights:

• Ownership of supplier engineering strategy and execution for NPI programs.
• Influence supplier selection, validation planning, and component readiness for pilot and production tooling.
• Drive supplier process improvements and alignment with long-term automation and scalability goals.

Required Leadership/Interpersonal Skills & Behaviors:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align supplier capabilities with business and technical objectives.
• Strong communicator and collaborator across engineering, operations, and supplier teams.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing technical teams.
• Experience mentoring peers and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Skilled at navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decisions and outcomes across organizational boundaries.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Expertise in supplier process development, component validation, and tooling qualification.
• Demonstrated success in leading supplier engineering efforts for complex NPI projects in regulated environments.
• Familiarity with challenges in sourcing and validating molded components, stamped metals, springs, and micro-mechanisms.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skill.
• Experience with supplier audits, technical capability assessments, and capital tooling deployment.

Education and Experience:

• BS in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering with 12+ years of experience in supplier engineering or manufacturing in a regulated industry.
• MS in Engineering or Engineering Management with 10+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with Class II medical devices and global supplier networks is highly desirable.

Additional Information:

• Able to work in a Class 8 Cleanroom Environment as needed.
• Role is based in Acton and the ideal candidate will be in office a minimum of 4 days a week.
• Travel up to 25%, including international travel to suppliers and manufacturing sites.

NOTE: This position is eligible for hybrid working arrangements (requires on-site work from an Insulet office at least 4x/week; may work remotely other days).