Import Purchasing Coordinator

Smigroupuk; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as an Import Purchasing Coordinator, where you'll manage import buying and supply chain efficiency. This full-time role involves coordinating with suppliers, ensuring compliance, and maintaining inventory accuracy. Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and a range of benefits.

Benefits

Growth by Sharing bonus scheme

25 days annual leave

1 day WFH each week

Friday 4 pm finish

Qualifications

• Highly organized and self-motivated.
• Strong attention to process and detail.
• Desirable: Intermediate Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day purchasing and import activities.
• Coordinate inbound shipments and ensure timely deliveries.
• Oversee customs compliance and documentation.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Negotiation

Customer Focus

Tools

Excel

Smartsheet

NetSuite

Job description

Our Procurement Team is growing, and we are seeking a new Import Purchasing Coordinator to coordinate import buying and maintain supply chain efficiency.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity based at our modern Petersfield head office.

What will I be doing?

As an Import Purchasing Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day purchasing and import activities for all product lines within your assigned category, focusing on overseas manufacturers. You will oversee the end-to-end buying process, from placing purchase orders with international suppliers to coordinating inbound shipments and ensuring timely deliveries. Your duties will include:

1. Import Purchasing & Order Management

• Review and manage forecasts (e.g., SlimStock) for import products
• Place, amend, and track purchase orders with overseas suppliers
• Obtain and file signed purchase contracts and confirmations
• Manage substitute and gap-fill orders from UK suppliers when required

1. Supplier & Freight Coordination

• Communicate booking details and schedules between suppliers and freight forwarders
• Expedite shipments and resolve delivery delays or discrepancies
• Oversee inbound shipment creation and tracking
• Maintain accurate data on the Import Freight Tracker (Smartsheet)
• Negotiate the best rates for bookings between suppliers and freight forwarders

1. Customs Compliance & Documentation

• Check and review customs entries for compliance and accuracy
• Oversee commodity code validation and import documentation
• Sign, file, and process freight and customs paperwork
• Ensure all certifications and compliance documents are accurately maintained

1. Inventory & Stock Forecast Accuracy

• Maintain optimum stock levels for import products and ensure good stock turns
• Ensure PO expected receipt dates and delivery information (XFDs) are accurate
• Notify relevant teams of delays or changes to delivery timelines
• Communicate inbound quantities to Operations and advise of updates or changes

1. System & Data Management

• Update procurement and freight tracking systems (e.g., Smartsheet, NetSuite)
• Export backup files weekly to ensure data integrity
• Input departmental metrics into central performance trackers
• Provide data support and resolve queries for finance as required
• Assist with data analysis for Category Managers on lead times and sales vs forecast
• Create barcodes and maintain product codes in the ERP (NetSuite)

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Issue Resolution

• Maintain strong communication with Procurement, Operations, and Customer Experience teams
• Flag and track supplier performance issues with the Category Manager
• Contribute to team meetings with process improvement suggestions
• Support recurring and ad-hoc category-specific tasks as assigned

What do I need?

To become an Import Purchasing Coordinator at SMI, you will need:

• Highly organized and self-motivated
• Decisive and able to act quickly under pressure
• Strong attention to process and detail
• Customer-focused with an understanding of supply chain impact
• Confident negotiator with a commercial mindset
• Always seeks smarter, more cost-effective buying solutions
• Positive, proactive, and adaptable
• Able to work independently and cross-functionally with other teams
• Desirable: Intermediate Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables)

Why join SMI?

SMI is an employee-focused company with a strong family-run history. We value our staff, who demonstrate our core values in everything they do. We offer autonomy, recognition, and opportunities to build meaningful careers in a fun, progressive environment.

Benefits include:

• A salary of £31,000
• Entry into our Growth by Sharing bonus scheme following probation
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after 3 years of service
• Perks and wellbeing activities including Values Champion Nomination Scheme, EAP, and regular company events
• 1 day WFH each week
• Friday 4 pm finish

How do I apply?

To become an Import Purchasing Coordinator with SMI, click "Apply Now" and send your CV. For questions, contact us at [e-mail]. SMI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.