At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for new product introductions and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Dynamic international manufacturing business based in Bournemouth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and exposure to global supply chains.
- Why this job: Influence strategic sourcing decisions and work on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Sector: Purchasing & Supply Chain Job type: Permanent Job reference: NIK1309Salary:50,000 + bens NPI Strategic Sourcing
- Specialist
- Advert
- Sourcing
- Specialist
Salary: Competitive + Benefits Full-Time | Permanent Are you an experienced procurement professional with a passion for strategic sourcing, supplier development, and new product introduction (NPI)?
Do you thrive in a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment where you can influence supplier strategy from concept through to production launch?
We are seeking an NPI Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join a Bournemouth based, growing, international manufacturing business and play a key role in supporting new product development, product changes, and industrialisation projects.
This is an exciting opportunity to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to deliver successful product launches while building a resilient and high-performing supplier network.
The Role As the NPI Strategic Sourcing Specialist, you will lead all procurement activities relating to new product introduction and industrialisation projects.
You'll be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, selecting and qualifying suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing project costs, and ensuring suppliers are fully prepared for production launch.
This role offers significant exposure to international suppliers and global supply chains while providing the opportunity to influence key sourcing decisions that directly impact business growth and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities New Product Introduction & Project Procurement
- Lead sourcing activities for NPI, product development, engineering changes, and industrialisation projects.
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with technical, commercial, and operational objectives.
- Manage procurement project plans to ensure suppliers, tooling, materials, and services are delivered on time and within budget.
- Monitor and manage Bill of Materials (BOM) costs throughout projects.
- Support engineering change management activities and assess supply chain impacts.
- Ensure supplier readiness for production launch, including capacity, quality, tooling, logistics, and inventory planning.
- Manage the transition of projects into operational procurement following successful launch.
- Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Identify, evaluate, and develop new suppliers across domestic and international markets.
- Conduct supplier selection, qualification, audits, and performance reviews.
- Support supplier approval activities including APQP, PPAP, FAI, and quality planning processes.
- Build strong supplier relationships while driving improvements in quality, delivery, cost, and innovation.
- Develop sourcing strategies for critical commodities and dual-source solutions where appropriate.
- Commercial & Cost Improvement
- Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, contracts, service levels, and commercial terms.
- Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles to sourcing decisions.
- Deliver cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value engineering initiatives.
- Monitor commodity markets, inflation trends, and supplier performance to drive long-term value.
- Support budget management and procurement reporting activities.
- Risk, Compliance & Sustainability
- Identify and mitigate supplier and supply chain risks.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with quality, environmental, ethical sourcing, and compliance requirements.
- Support ESG and sustainability initiatives across the supply base.
- Promote continuous improvement and best practice throughout procurement activities.
About You Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience within Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Commodity Management, Project Purchasing, or Supply Chain.
- Knowledge and experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and industrialisation projects.
- Strong supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
- Knowledge of supplier selection, supplier development, and supplier performance management.
- Experience working within manufacturing, engineering, industrial, or technical product environments.
- Understanding of procurement best practices and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
- Experience managing global suppliers and international supply chains.
- Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FAI or similar supplier quality processes.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel internationally when required.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within electromechanical, industrial, automotive, aerospace, or engineered product manufacturing.
- Knowledge of machining, fabrication, casting, plastics, electronics, motors, or precision engineering components.
- Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Experience with global sourcing and low-cost country procurement.
- CIPS qualification(Level 4 or above) or equivalent.
What's In It For You?
- Opportunity to influence strategic sourcing decisions on innovative new products.
- Work within a collaborative, international manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to global suppliers and complex supply chains.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Join a business focused on engineering excellence, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Apply today if you feel you are the right candidate for this Bournemouth based opportunity.
Please send an updated cv over to Nicola at nking@redlinegroup.
NPI Strategic Sourcing Specialist employer: Redline Group
Join a forward-thinking engineering team in Fareham, Hampshire, where your role as a UK Quality Manager will not only enhance your expertise but also contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will have access to mentorship from experienced leaders and opportunities to engage with industry best practices, ensuring a rewarding career path in a supportive work environment that values quality, health, safety, and environmental excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPI Strategic Sourcing Specialist
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Redline Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace NPI Strategic Sourcing Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Redline Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Redline Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Redline Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Redline Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Redline Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Redline Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Redline Group's culture.
