Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Ballard Power Systems; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballard Power Systems Inc. in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Manager of Strategic Sourcing to lead global sourcing initiatives that support cost efficiency, innovation, and supply continuity.

You will manage complex RFx processes, expand supplier bases, and drive savings through competitive bidding and strategic roadmaps. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, and legal, and requires strong leadership to develop a high-performing team and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; professional qualification preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management in a global manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in leading RFx processes, supplier qualification, and cost savings initiatives.
• Strong experience negotiating and finalizing supply agreements, including warranties and terms.
• Knowledge of NPI sourcing and early supplier involvement in product development.
• Experience with low-cost country sourcing and supplier risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies aligned with goals and roadmaps to optimize total cost of ownership.
• Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFQ, RFP) and competitive bidding across categories.
• Expand supplier base to improve resilience and reduce risk; qualify new suppliers.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives using should-cost, value engineering, and supplier competition.
• Lead NPI supplier engagement and support cross-functional development teams.
• Coach and develop a high-performing strategic sourcing team and build roadmaps.

Skills

RFx processes

Cost savings

Negotiation

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related

Tools

Oracle Cloud

Power BI

ERP systems

Job description

Join our mission for a sustainable future

If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact, working with us offers a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming the future of zero-emission energy and protecting our planet. Our commitment to sustainability fuels our global team’s enthusiasm every day, creating an inspiring work environment where innovative ideas thrive.

We believe in empowering exceptional individuals by providing challenging, rewarding, and sustainable career paths that align with our purpose of Here for life™. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to a mission that truly matters.

Who are we

Number of employees

800+

74%

All data is as of Dec 31, 2023

Women in senior leadership

40%

All data is as of Dec 31, 2023

Employees identifying as a racialized group

48%

All data is as of Dec 31, 2023

Living our Values

At our company, our core values of Listen and Deliver, Quality Always, Inspire Excellence, Rowing Together, and Own It, are more than just words; they guide our actions and define our culture.

To recognize those who exemplify these values, we celebrate individuals and teams who consistently demonstrate our core principles. Through awards, recognition programs, and personal shout-outs, we honour those who inspire others, contribute to quality, and collaborate effectively. By highlighting these role models, we reinforce our commitment to living our values every day and encourage a culture of excellence throughout the organization.

There are numerous ways to join us at Ballard. We offer a variety of job opportunities that can accommodate your studies, including internships, summer placements, and co-operative programs with local universities. Additionally, you can join our team after completing your education, starting in an entry-level position.

As a professional at Ballard, you will have the opportunity to drive change and bring your innovative ideas to life. We provide you with the resources and support necessary to excel in your role, empowering you to leverage your unique perspective to grow beyond boundaries and create a positive impact on the world, our business, and our team.

You Belong Here: Building an Inclusive Company Culture

At Ballard, we believe a truly inclusive workplace is where people thrive.

Our culture is built on inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment—because we know that people do their best work when they feel heard, valued, and supported.

We’re committed to building teams that reflect a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

At Ballard, individuals are encouraged to share their unique viewpoints, collaborate openly, and drive innovation that makes a real difference. This richness of perspective helps us solve complex problems and build sustainable energy solutions.

Our journey toward a more inclusive culture is ongoing, but the goal is clear:

Create a workplace where everyone feels they belong, where their contributions matter, and where they can make a lasting impact—on our company, our communities, and the planet.

Looking for a company where you can grow your career and help shape a cleaner future?

At Ballard, we’re not just here for business—we’re Here For Life™ powering progress, amplifying voices, and building a better tomorrow together.

Search for open positions

Position:Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom

Remote Status: Hybrid

Job Id:2320

# of Openings:0

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead the sourcing team in the development and execution of global strategies that support cost efficiency, innovation, risk mitigation, and supply continuity. This role is critical in managing complex RFx and competitive bidding processes, supporting New Product Introductions (NPI), and qualifying new suppliers. Key responsibilities include driving cross-functional initiatives to achieve cost savings, develop strategic commodity roadmaps, and strengthen the global sourcing organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing Management

• Develop and execute robust global sourcing strategies aligned with company goals, product roadmaps, and market dynamics to optimize total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Lead and manage RFx (RFI, RFQ, RFP) and competitive bidding processes across a range of categories and commodities.
• Expand the supplier base to enhance supply chain flexibility, resilience, and cost competitiveness. Source and qualify new suppliers, especially in low-cost countries, capable of supporting new technologies, materials, and processes.
• Identify and drive cost reduction initiatives, leveraging supplier competition, product redesign, should cost analysis and value engineering principles. Build and maintain a strategic savings pipeline; track execution and report results to senior leadership.
• Serve as the sourcing lead for NPI programs, driving early supplier engagement and supporting cross-functional development teams.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing strategic sourcing team, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive the development of long-term strategic commodity roadmaps aligned with product lifecycles, technology evolution, market trends, and business goals.
• Build and institutionalize best practices in category management, opportunity tracking, supplier performance management, and sourcing analytics.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing to reduce organizational risk and strengthen team capabilities.
• Actively participate in SCM leadership forums and represent the sourcing function in key strategic initiatives.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, and team development in coordination with senior leadership.

Supply Agreement Negotiation & Finalization

• Lead the negotiation and execution of complex supply agreements, including commercial terms, service levels and performance metrics.
• Ensure that supplier warranties, liabilities, and contractual terms meet or exceed those offered to customers, reducing risk and ensuring commercial alignment.
• Collaborate closely with legal, engineering, and quality teams to ensure contracts are comprehensive, enforceable, and aligned with business requirements.
• Develop and implement sourcing risk management strategies across geographies, categories, and suppliers.
• Support multi-sourcing, and inventory strategies to ensure business continuity and responsiveness to disruption.
• Monitor geopolitical, regulatory, and market risks, and adjust sourcing strategies accordingly.

Quality, Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure supplier compliance with internal quality standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Integrate sustainability and responsible sourcing practices into sourcing strategies and supplier selection.
• Monitor supplier performance, conduct business reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead supplier audits, assessments, and onboarding in collaboration with engineering and quality assurance.

Qualifications And Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; Professional qualification in Supply Chain and Logistics (e.g., SCMP, APICS, CIPS, ISM) preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management in a global, manufacturing-based environment.
• Proven track record in leading RFx processes, supplier qualification, and cost savings initiatives.
• Strong experience negotiating and finalizing supply agreements, including warranties, liabilities, and commercial terms.
• Knowledge of NPI sourcing and early supplier involvement in product development.
• Experience with low-cost country sourcing, supplier risk management, and global supplier development.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, sourcing tools, and contract lifecycle management platforms. Experience with Oracle Cloud, Agile and Power BI tools preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve targets and objectives.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred

• Familiarity with sustainability standards and frameworks (e.g., ISO 14001, ESG).
• Understanding of lean principles, value stream mapping, or Six Sigma methodologies.

As a Ballard employee, we want you to feel valued and appreciated for your efforts. That’s why we offer a competitive benefits package in addition to a performance-driven compensation philosophy. From bonuses to benefits, our people work hard, and we believe they should be rewarded for it. We care about career growth and development. We believe in work-life balance with tons of flexibility and rewarding benefits.

Our Values

Listen & Deliver | Quality. Always. | Inspire Excellence | Row Together | Own It

Ballard values diversity in the workplace and is committed to Employment Equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.