The role
Reporting to the Head of Procurement and working closely with the Category Lead, you will support procurement activities across assigned categories, ensuring continuity of supply, competitive costs and strong supplier performance.
You will act as the escalation point for operational purchasing issues, manage sourcing activities for new product development and lead cost reduction initiatives.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the delivery of category strategies and supplier management activities.
- Resolving escalated supply, quality, delivery and commercial issues alongside suppliers and the Operational Buying team.
- Preparing, issuing and evaluating Requests for Quotation (RFQs).
- Analysing quotations and recommending suppliers based on cost, quality, lead time and risk.
- Supporting negotiations to achieve best value across the total cost of ownership.
- Managing procurement activities for new product development and introduction projects.
- Coordinating with Operational Buyers to ensure sample parts are ordered and delivered to project deadlines.
- Leading cost-saving and value engineering projects, including supplier consolidation and process improvements.
- Tracking and reporting savings against agreed targets.
- Maintaining accurate supplier pricing and commercial information within the ERP system.
About you: You will bring:
- Proven experience in purchasing, procurement or sourcing.
- Experience managing RFQs and supplier negotiations.
- A strong understanding of procurement and supply chain processes.
- Practical experience using ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment, supporting NPD/NPI projects, and knowledge of category management would be advantageous.
A degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering or a related discipline, or an equivalent professional qualification such as CIPS Level 6, is preferred.
Candidates with significant relevant procurement and sourcing experience who meet the essential requirements will also be considered. Working towards CIPS certification would be advantageous.