Indirect Buyer

TN United Kingdom; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Procurement Specialist to drive strategic sourcing and supplier management. In this role, you will engage with stakeholders to develop product specifications, support category managers in sourcing strategies, and negotiate favorable terms. Your expertise in procurement will help minimize risk and enhance operational efficiency. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainability initiatives while fostering cultural change within the organization. If you are passionate about procurement and want to make a significant impact, this position is tailored for you.

Qualifications

• Degree and postgraduate qualification in procurement or significant experience.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Developing procurement strategies and managing supplier relationships.
• Negotiating terms and ensuring compliance with standards.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Change Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Relevant Field

Postgraduate Qualification (e.g., MCIPS, MBA)

Job description

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To provide procurement subject matter expertise, support the development and implementation of Procurement category strategies that deliver sustainable competitive advantage globally/regionally within the specific category, through:

1. Engaging with stakeholders to develop relevant product/service specifications
2. Supporting Category Managers in designing and deploying category and sourcing strategies aligned with business and divisional strategies
3. Delivering sustainable competitive advantage through effective sourcing and spend management within categories
4. Minimising Smiths' risk exposure within the category
5. Utilising best-in-class procurement practices
6. Promoting and communicating the value of the Indirect Procurement function across the business

Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management

1. Supporting Category Managers in developing, communicating, and delivering the category strategy and business commitments
2. Identifying and selecting potential suppliers based on criteria such as cost, quality, reliability, sustainability, and compliance with standards
3. Fostering strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers for long-term value creation and continuous improvement

Cost Management and Value Optimisation

1. Negotiating favourable terms leveraging the company's purchasing power
2. Continuously analysing costs and seeking opportunities for reduction

Risk Management and Compliance

1. Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks
2. Ensuring all procurement activities comply with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards

Operational Efficiency

1. Supporting back-office capabilities
2. Streamlining procurement processes to improve efficiency
3. Supporting and utilising procurement technologies to enhance data accuracy and decision-making

Performance Measurement and Reporting

1. Establishing and monitoring KPIs for procurement effectiveness
2. Providing regular reports to senior management on procurement activities and market trends

Sustainability and ESG

1. Supporting sustainability and ESG metrics and decision-making
2. Conducting reviews and ensuring alignment with strategic and sustainability objectives
3. Monitoring programs supporting Net Zero delivery plans
4. Project management and supplier audits as required

Building Organisational Capabilities

1. Enhancing procurement operational efficiencies and analytics
2. Ensuring compliance with controls and policies

Fostering Cultural Change

1. Leading by example in procurement and sustainability
2. Defining and communicating transformation visions
3. Championing education and cultural shifts
4. Engaging with best practice leaders and maintaining stakeholder communication

Qualifications

The candidate should ideally hold a degree and postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (e.g., MCIPS, MBA) or have significant procurement experience. The candidate should also:

• Understand and leverage integrated sustainability and procurement functions
• Have stakeholder engagement and change management experience
• Experience with large, multicultural, matrix organizations
• Manage assurance requirements
• Possess strong analytical, presentation, and communication skills

Additional Information

Diversity & Inclusion:

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunity employment. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or other protected characteristics. We promote an inclusive environment grounded in ethics and equality.

During the hiring process, Smiths Group or its partners will never request payment. Apply directly through our careers website to avoid fraud.