Procurement Analyst

ZipRecruiter; York; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A procurement firm is seeking a skilled Procurement Specialist to manage purchase orders, ensure supplier communication, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a university degree and 3-5 years of experience in procurement, along with strong analytical and communication skills. This role is crucial for maintaining production schedules and supplier relationships in a dynamic working environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of procurement experience.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as stamping, welding, machining, painting, and plating.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment with multicultural teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchase order backlog to ensure plant production schedules are met.
• Establish communication with suppliers and escalate significant risks.
• Collaborate with Planners and SQE on material risks and opportunities.

Skills

ERP systems proficiency

Strong customer focus

Written and verbal communication

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Education

University degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Essential Key Functions and Accountabilities: (Responsibilities and major tasks performed)

• PO management, confirmation, and follow-up through corresponding payment, tracking milestones, and problem-solving with suppliers and internal functions. Management of purchase order backlog to ensure the plant's production schedule, including push out, pull-in, cancellation requests, escalation management, follow-up of late orders, and ensuring purchase order alignment (e.g., MOQ/PPQ, short ship, late delivery, early shipment, price discrepancies). Maintaining accurate supplier contact details.
• Ensuring accuracy of the Info Record and Source List data in alignment with MRP parameters, including MOQ, Price, and Lead Time (LT).
• Acting as the first line of communication to suppliers, establishing a regular communication cadence, and escalating significant risks (e.g., line downs, high financial impact, compliance issues) to the appropriate internal level.
• Collaborating closely with Planners and the Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) on material risks and opportunities.
• Managing material/component availability (excluding finished goods) through MOQ optimization and inventory management. Highlighting replenishment opportunities (e.g., consignment, VMI, reorder points) and executing scheduling agreements, materials certification, and data management. Strategic sourcing negotiates replenishment contracts.
• Identifying risks or gaps with suppliers related to weekly forecasts.
• Tracking supplier shutdowns, holidays, and vacations; communicating these to the planning department.
• Driving procurement KPIs focused on delivery, quality, and cost.
• Leading continuous improvement projects to enhance KPI performance.
• Following up on Supplier Transit Status (STS)/Supplier Transit Release (STR) and ensuring data accuracy, implementing short-term improvements.
• Enforcing NSC policies on PO confirmation and package labeling; acting as the first contact point for related information.
• Supporting plant operations certifications and audits, especially regarding procurement requirements.
• Assisting strategic procurement initiatives: supplier scorecards, lead time and price accuracy, legal compliance, in- and outsourcing activities, quarterly business reviews, high-impact projects, supplier reduction, and defining grow, fix, and exit strategies.
• Supporting Accounts Payable (AP) team in reconciling PO and invoice discrepancies to ensure timely payments.

Job Specific Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment with multicultural teams.
• Strong customer focus and continuous improvement mindset.
• Independently prioritize daily tasks.
• Build successful working relationships quickly at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., IFS) and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as stamping, welding, machining, painting, and plating.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently.

Core Values (All New Standard Associates)

• RESPECT - Valuing opinions, respecting others' time, and assuming positive intent.
• INTEGRITY - Acting consistently with our values and maintaining trust.
• HUMILITY - Recognizing areas for personal improvement, giving credit, and seeking understanding.
• TEAMWORK - Communicating effectively and collaborating to achieve goals.
• INNOVATION - Finding transformative solutions through creativity and openness to new ideas.
• DRIVE - Demonstrating discipline, action bias, continuous improvement, and result delivery.

Experience and Education Required

• University degree or equivalent.
• 3-5 years of procurement experience.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.