Strategic Sourcing Leader: Electronics & NPI

Oxford Instruments plc; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Instruments plc is seeking a Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing across multiple electronics-related categories. The role focuses on developing supplier strategies, NPI engagement, and achieving cost and risk reductions while ensuring quality and sustainability.

The successful candidate will partner with senior leaders, manage cross-functional teams, and drive category strategies in line with group objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience within Electronics procurement with a strong technical and market understanding.
• Experience within procurement functions, preferably in handling highly technical categories.
• Experience with complex outsourcing projects, up to and including system level.
• Experience in developing supplier strategies in complex and technical categories.
• Proven success in delivering NPI, Design for Value and cost improvement projects with new supplier development activities.
• Understanding of sourcing policies and procedures.
• Strategic and analytical mindset, with good researching skills.
• Understanding of commercial and financial aspects of direct/indirect procurement.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to influence diverse groups of people and resolve conflicts tactfully.

Responsibilities

• Support the Group Senior Category Manager in achieving business goals through best practice sourcing and supply chain processes.
• Drive cost improvement and special projects related to the appropriate categories.
• Take ownership of key supplier relationships, performance, commercial agreements, and LTAs.
• Manage Electronic & other associated categories.
• Plan category sourcing strategies and implementation activities in alignment to the higher-level group sourcing strategy.
• Lead cross-functional activities with suppliers, including value engineering, design to cost activities, and NPI early engagement/development.
• Drive continuous improvement of sourcing practices and efficiencies within the assigned category.
• Coordinate with Business Leaders, managers, and functional teams to implement strategies consistently.
• Collaborate with all functions within the business to ensure suppliers provide maximum value, utilizing a cross-functional team approach.
• Develop, maintain, and report on supplier/spend financial performance and projections.
• Monitor supplier KPI's, ensuring consistent delivery to prescribed levels of service within the LTA.
• Manage the Group Approved Vendor List.
• Be accountable for category management, including supplier selection and strategy setting for assigned categories.
• Provide leadership and governance of cross-functional team meetings and communication.
• Implement procurement processes within the business, including supplier quality, service, relationships, and performance.
• Manage materials and/or services spend within the business.
• Handle contracting, contract management, and risk assessment/mitigation.

Skills

Electronics procurement

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

NPI & cost reduction

Cross-functional leadership

Contract management

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in related field

MCIPs preferred

Job description

Oxford Instruments plc is seeking a Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing across multiple electronics-related categories. The role focuses on developing supplier strategies, NPI engagement, and achieving cost and risk reductions while ensuring quality and sustainability.

The successful candidate will partner with senior leaders, manage cross-functional teams, and drive category strategies in line with group objectives.