Strategic Sourcing Specialist (EMEA)

Job Title: Strategic Sourcing Specialist (EMEA)
Location: Cheshire UK
Salary: 80K - 100K + Bonus + Benefits
Hrs: 08:30 - 17:00hrs (flexibility required)
Contract: Permanent

Company and Role
Our client is a highly reputable $1.6B Global Company, specialising in developing, producing, and distributing a broad range of specialty Chemicals, Minerals & Niche Products for markets including Construction, Agriculture, Steel, Oil & Gas industries.

We are seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist (EMEA) to manage a segment of the company's end-to-end sourcing operations, with annual purchasing requirements of $20M.

You will analyse spend, negotiate contracts, and develop long-term partnerships with suppliers. This role demands expertise in sourcing raw materials, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), financial analysis, and supply chain optimisation in a fast-paced, global manufacturing environment. This critical role supports growth objectives by fostering strategic supplier relationships, ensuring material quality, and enhancing supply chain/logistics efficiency.

Key Responsibilities of the Strategic Sourcing Specialist:

• S&OP Coordination: Collaborate in the Sales & Operations Planning process to ensure the supply of critical materials aligns with plant requirements.
• Contract Negotiations: Lead supply contract negotiations and manage pricing/terms adjustments as needed.
• Sourcing Strategies: Develop and implement sourcing and category management strategies focusing on value, capacity, and contingency planning.
• Cost Analysis: Monitor cost drivers and use statistical analysis to inform sourcing decisions/strategies.
• Quality Enforcement: Ensure world-class product quality through material standards, KPIs, and issue resolution processes.
• Supplier Development: Identify and qualify new suppliers to mitigate risk and support growth.
• New Product Development Support: Partner with R&D to qualify components/materials for new products.
• Supply Chain Cost Optimization: Analyse costs and recommend improvements to enhance performance and profitability.
• Logistics Coordination: Plan and coordinate long-lead time overseas orders and manage import/export freight logistics.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Act as the primary contact for supplier relationships and oversee the Supplier Quality Management program.
• ISO Compliance: Support ISO management systems (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018) with a focus on supplier control and material qualification.

• Education: Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain management, preferably in an international, multi-site manufacturing business.
• Must have solid experience in sourcing raw materials.
• Knowledge: Experience with Steel, Mining, Refractories or Chemical products.
• ERP Systems: Proficiency in ERP environments, with Oracle E-Business Suite experience preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Strong MRP knowledge and experience in Procure-to-Pay processes in a Manufacturing environment.
• Analytical Skills: Financial acumen with experience in cost analysis and reporting.
• Microsoft Office: Advanced proficiency in Word and Excel.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving: Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.