Strategic Sourcing Assistant - Defence

Medirest Signature; Coventry; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the procurement sector seeks a Strategic Sourcing Assistant to support their sourcing strategies and supplier management. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, be detail-oriented, and have a passion for procurement. The role also involves fostering relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize the buying process and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

Qualifications

• Good team-player with strong communication skills.
• Able to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
• High level of literacy and numeracy.

Responsibilities

• Support the Strategic Sourcing Manager with procurement processes.
• Manage supplier onboarding and relationships.
• Conduct market research and analysis.

Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Multitasking

Education

Degree preferred but not essential

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

The role

The Strategic Sourcing Assistant reports into the Strategic Sourcing Manager. Their responsibilities include becoming proficient in all aspects of the procurement process and assisting the Sourcing Manager with industry specific projects and assisting in the development and implementation of sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and providing support with delivering project requirements in a timely manner. This role requires the ability to develop a deep understanding of procurement and supply chain processes and behaviours, including:

Ability to understand and learn how to demonstrate best practice in the buying process, becoming a functional expert in D365 procurement

Providing excellent service to internal stakeholders, becoming an exemplar regarding communication and how to react to issues professionally and with the required urgency.

Ensure that the MTC is protected from risk by following all required due diligence activities, including but not limited to supplier risk analysis, incoterms evaluation, price negotiations, and contractual terms adherence

Developing excellent relationships with MTC suppliers, clearly communicating need and priority, ensuring delivery performance and value for money.

Operating as an ambassador for the Supply Chain team through demonstrating professional procurement practices and helping support your teammates.



Main Responsibilities:

Become a key member of the MTC Strategic Sourcing Team, supporting the Strategic Sourcing Manager in the procurement process: user needs analysis; market research; sourcing activity; structure of tenders; market engagement; tender evaluation & negotiation.



Adhere to all procurement policies and procedures and regulatory requirements for industry sectors.

Manage the selection and onboarding of new suppliers, including analysing their ability to align with MTC values, projects strategic needs, supplier capabilities and our sustainability objectives.

Support the Strategic Sourcing Manager in developing and implementing sourcing strategies to optimise cost, quality and delivery.

Maintain and manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Ensure management of MTC/Customer flow down T&C’s; including them with RFQ’s and identify any deviations requested to the Strategic Sourcing Specialist.

Creation and management of NDA’s.

Analyse procurement data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

Communicate clearly with internal requestors and other relevant departments regarding the status of requests.

React to issues daily created both internally and externally.

Negotiate prices where possible and ensure that the MTC receives good service and pricing from its suppliers.

Support the Goods-In department to ensure arrival and distribution to relevant department on items procured for Strategic projects.

Develop positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as legal, finance and engineering to ensure the smooth operation of the end-to-end supply chain.

Communicate requirements to external suppliers clearly and build high-quality collaborative relationships with them.

Always represent the MTC professionally, operating with honesty and integrity, working to create a world-class reputation of the company.

Attend operational meetings as required.

Promote the services of the Supply Chain team across the MTC Group.



Person Specification

Essential Skills/Qualifications/Experience

Ability to work closely with the Strategic team members, delivering regular communication and feedback.



A good team-player with excellent written and verbal communication skills who is willing to work with colleagues and help whenever needed.

Be persuasive and diplomatic, with the ability to handle high-pressure situations and last-minute requests for items to be procured.

Able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.

Strong attention to detail and excellent administration skills

Good level of knowledge of MS office tools such as Word and Excel.

High level of literacy and numeracy.

Problem solving with drive to oversee solution implementation to completion.

Ability to think independently and innovatively and contribute ideas and improvements

Demonstrate the ability to prioritise and multitask to manage workload.

Full UK driving licence



Desirable Skills/Qualifications/Experience

Previous experience using ERP systems

Understanding of supply chain processes, especially procurement and logistics

Degree preferred by not essential. Willingness and capability to learn and character to become a valued team member more important.

R&D, aerospace or automotive experience preferred but not essential.

Experience within organisations funded by public funds preferred but not essential.

Fully flexible working –however, will be required to be in the office at Ansty Park on regular occasions.

Willing to travel if needed.