Career Journey – Yana Mashutina: Leading the Future of Sourcing at Xometry

Yana Mashutina, the Head of Sourcing at Xometry, shares insights into her professional path, the evolution of sourcing, and the skills required to excel in this dynamic industry.

From Linguistics to Supply Chain Management

Yana’s career path took an unexpected but rewarding turn. With degrees in both linguistics and economics, her introduction to the world of procurement was serendipitous. Initially joining as an interpreter, she quickly became fascinated by the complexities of customs, international contracts, and negotiations.

“I never planned on working in procurement,. But once I got involved in the world of sourcing and supply chain management, I knew I had found my passion.”

Her involvement in international projects with Germany further solidified her interest in global business operations. Eighteen years later, she has built an impressive career in supply chain management, with a strategic and analytical approach to sourcing.

Stepping Into Leadership

At Xometry, Yana plays a crucial role in ensuring that all sourced parts meet the highest standards of quality, delivery, and profitability. Over four years, she has witnessed and driven the growth of the sourcing team from just two people to over twenty specialists.

“My role is multifaceted. It’s not just about finding suppliers; it’s about optimizing processes, managing risks, and ensuring we’re always a step ahead in an ever-changing industry.”

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration and strategy. She believes in building long-term partnerships with suppliers rather than just focusing on short-term gains.

“Early in my career, my approach was more company-centric. Over time, I realized that sustainable success comes from creating win-win partnerships where both sides benefit.”

Why Sourcing and Supply Chain?

For Yana, the attraction to sourcing lies in its dynamic nature. Unlike traditional procurement roles, sourcing requires a blend of analytical skills, negotiation expertise, and strategic thinking.

“I love the challenge of balancing cost, quality, and efficiency while also ensuring that our partner network is strong and reliable. Every day is different, and that’s what makes this field so exciting.”

According to Yana, excelling in sourcing leadership requires:

• Analytical and negotiation skills: Making quick, data-driven decisions is crucial.
• Strategic thinking: Understanding market trends and supplier dynamics helps drive sustainable success.
• Flexibility and resilience: The sourcing landscape is always changing, and adaptability is key.

Navigating Challenges and Industry Trends

The sourcing world is filled with unpredictable challenges, from supply chain disruptions to shifting market conditions. Yana thrives in this fast-paced environment by staying flexible and maintaining strong supplier relationships.

“We recently completed an advanced strategic sourcing course, covering everything from negotiations to risk management. Continuous learning is essential in this field”.

A Day in the Life of a Sourcing Leader

A typical day for Yana begins with planning and reviewing performance dashboards to ensure everything is on track. She coordinates with stakeholders, including sales teams and the analytics department, to optimize sourcing strategies.

“Sourcing has a significant impact on revenue and profitability. When we achieve or surpass company targets, that’s when the real satisfaction comes.”

Looking to the Future

Yana’s ambitions don’t stop here. She envisions stepping into more strategic, global responsibilities and expanding the company’s reach.

“I’m looking forward to scaling our sourcing operations and embracing new technological advancements to further enhance efficiency”.

Words of Advice for Aspiring Sourcing Professionals

For those looking to enter sourcing leadership roles, Yana offers this advice:

“Never view challenges as roadblocks—there’s always a solution. And remember, sourcing success is never achieved alone; a strong, collaborative team is your greatest asset.”

With her deep expertise, strategic mindset, and people-first approach, Yana Mashutina is shaping the future of sourcing at Xometry, proving that success in this field is built on adaptability, innovation, and strong partnerships.