Job Detail

Position summary

Leica Microsystems is a world leader in microscopes as well as scientific instruments and represented in over 100 countries, thereof more than 20 countries with sales and service organizations. The foundation of our success is constant innovation and focusing rigorously on pushing the boundaries of visualization. We serve the research and life sciences, medical, material sciences, industry, forensics, education and surgery. Besides, we set new standards for our customers and open completely new analytical applications with the combination of precision optics and digital solutions.

Do join us in our dedication for forward-thinking solutions and continuous improvement!

In order to realize our product strategy and digital solutions we are establishing a dedicated NPI Procurement function within our Global Sourcing department. The newly established position as Strategic Sourcing Manager NPI (New Product Introduction) will be responsible for all purchasing activities in new product development projects for the Industry and Medical Division within Leica Microsystems. This includes driving cost improvement programs to achieve design-to-cost targets and has visibility on new technologies. The individual is responsible for high quality supplier selection and supplier readiness for new product developments.

The position is part of the Global sourcing team and will report directly to Director Global Direct Procurement and will be working out of our R&D Center in Heerbrugg, Switzerland. The role is also a connective link between R&D Heerbrugg and Production in Singapore.

Your areas of responsibility will include but are not limited to:

• Manage Supplier Selection for R&D Projects


• Ensure Supplier Readiness at TG3


• Meet Design-to-cost targets for purchased parts in new product developments


• Negotiate and close critical development related contracts


• Prepare Make or Buy decision

This position will include significant interaction with R&D, Engineering and Operational functions such as Legal, Global Sourcing, Production, RA/QA, Product Management. The role will require a high level of interaction with external Suppliers, Development Partners and Engineering Offices, both regionally and globally.

What we expect form you:

Education and professional experience

• University degree in Industrial Engineering and Management, specializing in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or graduate Engineer in Mechanical or Electrical engineering with postgraduate studies in Business Administration


• Comparable professional education with several years of experience in purchasing / project purchasing, development or industrial engineering


• Minimum of 5 years of professional working experience in a similar role within NPI Procurement or NPI Program Management / strategic sourcing / category management

Professional and personal skills

• Project Management experience


• Good knowledge in industrial production processes


• Medical Environment knowledge (ISO 13485)


• Very good analytical and strategic skills


• SAP-R3


• MS-Office (Mainly: Excel, Access, Power BI)


• Legal Knowledge


• Excellent communication and negotiation skills


• Assertiveness and self-confidence


• Multicultural and internationally proficient


• Willingness to travel approx. 25% of time to Europe, Asia and North America

Language skills

• Fluency in English and German

What we have to offer:

• An exciting, holistic task within a global team and opportunity to work with leading edge technology and high-end products


• A friendly and nice working atmosphere on our Heerbrugg site with great colleagues


• We offer you an attractive remuneration package and flexible working hours


• As part of the Danaher Group, continuous training, support and focus on your personal development is one of our key goals

Are you interested in working in a multifaceted and collaborative environment and are you ready to break new ground with us? Then please apply online with your complete documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates).

We look forward to receiving your application!

For further questions on the position please contact Evgenia Wittal, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner on +49 172 2320614.

Leica Microsystems is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are equal opportunity employers that evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The “EEO is the Law” poster is available here.