Reporting to the NPI Sourcing Director, the Sr. Principal Sourcing role is responsible for developing, managing, and implementing sourcing strategies and best practices that support New Product Introductions (NPI) from concept through commercial launch. This role places a strong emphasis on Design for Excellence (DFx), Early Supplier Involvement (ESI), prototype-to-production sourcing strategies, and new supplier discovery and qualification.,

Ensure alignment between product design, supply chain capabilities, and manufacturing strategies
Lead supplier negotiations related to prototypes, ramp, and production volumes
Support global NPI programs across multiple regions and business units ., The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic thinking, technical sourcing expertise, and the ability to influence decisions across a highly matrixed global organization., Lead sourcing strategy development for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs from concept through production launch
Drive early supplier involvement (ESI) to influence design, cost, manufacturability, and supply chain risk mitigation
Partner with R&D and Engineering teams to implement Design for Excellence (DFx) principles, including Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Cost (DFC), and Design for Supply Chain (DFSC)
Develop and execute prototype-to-production sourcing strategies, including supplier selection, qualification, and ramp planning
Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support technology, cost, capacity, and geographic diversification requirements
Conduct supplier discovery, due diligence, and risk assessments for new and sole-sourced components and technologies
Lead commercial negotiations for prototype, pilot, and production volumes, including pricing structures, capacity commitments, and lead times
Partner with Global Commodity Management to ensure alignment with long-term sourcing strategies and preferred supplier frameworks
Support cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and value engineering initiatives to meet product cost targets
Drive supply chain readiness reviews and ensure supplier capability aligns with product launch timelines
Collaborate with Quality and Supplier Quality Engineering to support supplier qualification, PPAP, and validation activities
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including sole-source dependencies, long lead-time components, and capacity constraints
Support global NPI programs across multiple regions, including coordination with international manufacturing sites and suppliers
Ensure sourcing deliverables are aligned with Product Development Process (PDP) milestones and gate requirements
Drive continuous improvement of NPI sourcing processes, tools, and best practices
Provide executive-level updates on sourcing risks, cost status, and supplier readiness for key NPI programs
Mentor and provide guidance to sourcing team members supporting NPI programs, Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field
10+ years of strategic sourcing experience, with a focus on NPI, R&D, or complex manufacturing environments
Demonstrated success managing global sourcing and supplier development initiatives
Experience implementing DFx principles, early supplier involvement, and prototype-to-production sourcing strategies
Strong knowledge of supplier qualification, risk assessment, and regulatory/compliance requirements for global supply chains
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
Strong negotiation skills with experience in both prototype and production volume contracts
Experience with cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and value engineering
Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
Experience supporting supply chains across multiple geographies, including APAC, EMEA, and Americas
Proficient with Product Development Processes (PDP) and NPI stage-gate methodology
Strong SAP background

102 Scientific jobs in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire