NPI Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Bournemouth, Dorset

NPI Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

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 (url removed) or call (phone number removed).