Procurement Specialist

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.

The Procurement Specialist will take ownership of the purchase order process, supplier selection and delivery tracking, applying sound commercial judgement to balance cost, quality and delivery requirements. The role will also support continuous improvement of procurement processes and work closely with the wider Operations team, contributing to the smooth running of day-to-day activities and providing flexible support across the team during periods of holiday or absence.

·        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.

·        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.

·        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.