Our Procurement Team is growing, and we are seeking a new Import Purchasing Coordinator to coordinate import buying and maintain supply chain efficiency.
This is a full-time, permanent opportunity based at our modern Petersfield head office.
What will I be doing?
As an Import Purchasing Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day purchasing and import activities for all product lines within your assigned category, focusing on overseas manufacturers. You will oversee the end-to-end buying process, from placing purchase orders with international suppliers to coordinating inbound shipments and ensuring timely deliveries. Your duties will include:
- Import Purchasing & Order Management
- Review and manage forecasts (e.g., SlimStock) for import products
- Place, amend, and track purchase orders with overseas suppliers
- Obtain and file signed purchase contracts and confirmations
- Manage substitute and gap-fill orders from UK suppliers when required
- Supplier & Freight Coordination
- Communicate booking details and schedules between suppliers and freight forwarders
- Expedite shipments and resolve delivery delays or discrepancies
- Oversee inbound shipment creation and tracking
- Maintain accurate data on the Import Freight Tracker (Smartsheet)
- Negotiate the best rates for bookings between suppliers and freight forwarders
- Customs Compliance & Documentation
- Check and review customs entries for compliance and accuracy
- Oversee commodity code validation and import documentation
- Sign, file, and process freight and customs paperwork
- Ensure all certifications and compliance documents are accurately maintained
- Inventory & Stock Forecast Accuracy
- Maintain optimum stock levels for import products and ensure good stock turns
- Ensure PO expected receipt dates and delivery information (XFDs) are accurate
- Notify relevant teams of delays or changes to delivery timelines
- Communicate inbound quantities to Operations and advise of updates or changes
- System & Data Management
- Update procurement and freight tracking systems (e.g., Smartsheet, NetSuite)
- Export backup files weekly to ensure data integrity
- Input departmental metrics into central performance trackers
- Provide data support and resolve queries for finance as required
- Assist with data analysis for Category Managers on lead times and sales vs forecast
- Create barcodes and maintain product codes in the ERP (NetSuite)
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Issue Resolution
- Maintain strong communication with Procurement, Operations, and Customer Experience teams
- Flag and track supplier performance issues with the Category Manager
- Contribute to team meetings with process improvement suggestions
- Support recurring and ad-hoc category-specific tasks as assigned
What do I need?
To become an Import Purchasing Coordinator at SMI, you will need:
- Highly organized and self-motivated
- Decisive and able to act quickly under pressure
- Strong attention to process and detail
- Customer-focused with an understanding of supply chain impact
- Confident negotiator with a commercial mindset
- Always seeks smarter, more cost-effective buying solutions
- Positive, proactive, and adaptable
- Able to work independently and cross-functionally with other teams
- Desirable: Intermediate Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables)
Why join SMI?
SMI is an employee-focused company with a strong family-run history. We value our staff, who demonstrate our core values in everything they do. We offer autonomy, recognition, and opportunities to build meaningful careers in a fun, progressive environment.
Benefits include:
- A salary of £31,000
- Entry into our Growth by Sharing bonus scheme following probation
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after 3 years of service
- Perks and wellbeing activities including Values Champion Nomination Scheme, EAP, and regular company events
- 1 day WFH each week
- Friday 4 pm finish
How do I apply?
To become an Import Purchasing Coordinator with SMI, click "Apply Now" and send your CV. For questions, contact us at HR@smigroupuk.com. SMI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.