NPI Program Sourcing Lead

Title: NPI Program Sourcing Lead (Contract)
Location: Cheltenham
Rate: Negotiable.
Contract Duration: 12 Months

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all sourcing activities for an assigned New Product Introduction (NPI) programme from planning through to volume manufacture.
• Develop supplier qualification and supply readiness plans in partnership with Quality teams.
• Ensure suppliers achieve required approvals and First Article Inspection (FAI) sign-off in line with programme schedules.
• Manage supplier quality readiness and resolve quality concerns before they impact programme delivery.
• Assess supplier and sub-tier capabilities to ensure compliance with programme and quality requirements.
• Support supplier contract negotiations and ensure programme requirements are flowed down appropriately.
• Manage supplier capacity to meet programme demand and production ramp-up requirements.
• Ensure material availability aligns with build schedules and programme milestones.
• Lead recovery activities for shortages, delayed deliveries, and capacity constraints.
• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation plans to protect programme delivery.
• Monitor sourcing progress against key programme tollgates and provide clear status updates.
• Own programme material costs from initial bid through to production readiness.
• Set and manage cost targets, using should-cost analysis to drive value.
• Conduct make-versus-buy assessments and support cost reduction initiatives.
• Develop sourcing strategies aligned with wider procurement and commodity objectives.
• Provide direction and prioritisation to the NPI Buyer/Fulfiller supporting the programme.
• Represent sourcing during programme reviews and stakeholder meetings.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Materials, Finance and Programme Management teams.
• Support the successful transition of programmes into serial production.
• Drive supplier performance improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience within Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, or Programme Management.
• Proven track record managing sourcing activities across complex NPI or product development programmes.
• Experience with supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier quality requirements.
• Experience working within a technical or engineering-led environment.

Desirable Skills

• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience supporting supplier qualification and FAI activities.
• Commercially astute with experience in should-cost modelling and cost reduction.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Understanding of procurement, supplier risk management, capacity planning, and cost drivers.
• Experience using ERP and sourcing systems such as Oracle.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-motivated with a proactive and results-oriented approach.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.