To manage and develop the day-to-day procurement activities of the business, ensuring goods and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively and in line with business requirements, quality standards and company procedures.
Department
Operations - Procurement
Location
Snetterton, United Kingdom
Key Responsibilities
Procurement and Supplier Management
- Manage the end-to-end purchase order process, ensuring orders are raised accurately and in accordance with company procedures and delegated authority.
- Review supplier options and quotations, assessing value for money, quality, lead times and suitability against business requirements.
- Make informed recommendations on supplier selection, balancing commercial considerations with quality and delivery requirements.
- Develop effective working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support reliable supply and resolve purchasing issues.
- Monitor supplier performance and address issues relating to cost, quality or delivery, escalating where appropriate.
- Identify opportunities to improve purchasing arrangements, reduce costs and achieve better value for the business.
Purchase Order and Delivery Management
- Establish and maintain a systematic approach to tracking purchase orders, providing clear visibility of order status and expected delivery dates.
- Proactively monitor outstanding orders and liaise with suppliers and internal teams to address delays or potential supply issues.
- Ensure purchasing activity supports project requirements and minimises the risk of disruption to business operations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchasing records within the relevant business systems.
Systems and Process Improvement
- Maintain and improve procurement processes, ensuring they remain effective, consistent and aligned with company requirements.
- Use procurement and business systems, including Sage and IFS, to manage purchasing activity and maintain accurate information.
- Use Excel and other Microsoft Office applications to analyse purchasing information, monitor orders and support reporting.
- Work in accordance with relevant company procedures and contribute to compliance with ISO 9001 quality management requirements.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, visibility and control across the procurement process.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Minimum of three years' experience in a procurement or purchasing role.
- Procurement knowledge and practical capability broadly equivalent to CIPS Level 4, including an understanding of supplier selection, purchasing processes, commercial considerations and supplier performance.
- Experience managing purchase orders and monitoring supplier deliveries.
- Ability to assess supplier options, considering cost, quality, lead times and business requirements.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft Office suite.
- Experience using purchasing or ERP systems, ideally Sage and IFS.
- Understanding of the importance of accurate purchasing records, process compliance and quality standards.
Desirable
- CIPS qualification, ideally Level 4, or working towards a relevant professional procurement qualification.
- Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality management environment.
- Experience arranging international business travel.
- Experience supporting, coaching or providing guidance to colleagues.
- Experience identifying and implementing procurement process improvements or cost-saving opportunities.
Person Specification
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance cost, quality and delivery when making purchasing decisions.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving, taking ownership of issues and driving them through to resolution.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess information and make informed decisions.
- Confident using initiative and exercising sound judgement within agreed processes and levels of authority.
- Collaborative team player, willing to support colleagues and provide cover where required.
- Adaptable and comfortable responding to changing business and project requirements.
- Committed to continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to improve processes and achieve better value.
- Professional, dependable and able to handle commercially sensitive information with discretion.
- Able to remain calm and effective under pressure.