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

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.

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