At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing for innovative products from concept to launch, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Company: Join a leading company in manufacturing and product development with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus plan, healthcare, pension, and 26 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid work arrangement with excellent career coaching and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of new product development and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and experience in procurement or supply chain within manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Director, Global Procurement, the Lead Buyer – New Product Development is responsible for driving sourcing and procurement activities across Videojet’s new product development programs—from early supplier engagement through production readiness and launch. The role sits at the center of innovation, partnering closely with Engineering, R&D, Operations, Commodity Management, and global suppliers to ensure new products launch on time, on cost, and with a fully qualified supply base. This position is located in Huntingdon or Nottingham, UK, with a hybrid work arrangement.
Typical Day
- Own sourcing and procurement activities supporting New Product Development programs from concept through production launch.
- Lead supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and production readiness activities across multiple projects simultaneously.
- Partner closely with Engineering and R&D teams to align sourcing strategies with technical and commercial objectives.
- Drive supplier engagement early in the design phase to improve quality, reduce lead times, and optimize total cost of ownership.
- Negotiate commercial agreements and supplier terms supporting Videojet’s innovation roadmap.
- Collaborate with Commodity Managers, Operations, and Buyer Planners to ensure seamless transition into production.
- Support make-versus-buy analysis, supplier risk evaluation, and sourcing strategy decisions.
- Deliver against launch milestones, cost targets, and supplier readiness KPIs.
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
- Experience in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, or project management within manufacturing or product development environments.
- Direct experience supporting New Product Development (NPD/NPI) programs.
- Experience with supplier qualification, sourcing strategy, and supplier negotiations.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Procurement stakeholders.
- Experience managing sourcing activities for technically complex or engineered products.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills within collaborative environments.
Preferred Experience
- Aerospace, automation, industrial equipment, electronics, medical devices, or other complex manufacturing industries.
- ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP.
- Commodity management or supplier development.
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
- High‑mix / low‑volume manufacturing environments.
- Stage‑gate or product lifecycle management processes.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with a bonus plan.
- Healthcare and pension benefits.
- 26 days of annual leave.
- Powerful team in a collaborative mentoring environment.
- Career coaching and development opportunities.
Lead Buyer - New Product Development Sourcing (Huntingdon or Nottingham, UK) employer: Videojet Technologies
Videojet is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Huntingdon or Nottingham that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide career coaching, development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package, including healthcare, pension, and generous annual leave. Join us to be part of a powerful team driving new product development and making a meaningful impact in the manufacturing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Buyer - New Product Development Sourcing (Huntingdon or Nottingham, UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in procurement or product development. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their recent innovations and how your skills can contribute to their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Lead Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Buyer - New Product Development Sourcing (Huntingdon or Nottingham, UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement and new product development, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sourcing and procurement, and how your skills can help drive innovation at Videojet. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Cross-Functional Experience:Since this role involves working closely with Engineering, R&D, and Operations, make sure to highlight any cross-functional projects you've been part of. We want to see how you’ve collaborated with different teams to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Videojet Technologies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of procurement and sourcing, especially in relation to new product development. Brush up on your knowledge of supplier qualification processes and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed sourcing activities in the past.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams like Engineering and R&D. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated across departments to achieve project goals. Highlight any experiences where you’ve driven supplier engagement early in the design phase.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into your experience with technically complex products. Think about specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show your problem-solving skills and technical understanding.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Negotiating supplier terms is a key part of this job. Come equipped with examples of successful negotiations you've led, focusing on how you achieved cost savings or improved supplier relationships. This will illustrate your ability to drive value for the company.