Purchasing Specialist

• Location: Hadleigh
• Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Interviews 10th & 11th April

A highly motivated Purchasing Specialist is sought to join a dynamic team within the Food and Beverage sector. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in sourcing and purchasing, particularly within the distribution industry. This pivotal role focuses on identifying, evaluating, and sourcing high-quality food and beverage products, with an emphasis on glass, from European suppliers and international markets.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Identify, assess, and select reliable suppliers or vendors who meet quality, cost, reliability, and delivery time requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with suppliers to ensure mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to secure the best possible pricing while maintaining product quality.
• Continuously monitor and research the market for new products, suppliers, industry trends, and pricing fluctuations.
• Ensure all sourced products meet required quality standards and comply with industry regulations (e.g., food safety standards, environmental guidelines).
• Oversee the procurement process from order placement to delivery, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of materials and products.
• Regularly evaluate supplier performance based on quality, on-time delivery, and service levels.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, quality issues, or financial instability among suppliers.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of supplier agreements, contracts, purchase orders, and compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with other departments such as product development, logistics, marketing, and operations to align sourcing strategies with company objectives.
• Source products in alignment with the company’s sustainability goals and ethical standards, ensuring suppliers follow environmental and social responsibility practices.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining quality and service levels, such as by consolidating suppliers or finding alternative materials.
• Lead the negotiation process for contracts, ensuring all terms are clearly defined and protect the company’s interests.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience (3+ years) in procurement or sourcing, ideally within a related industry (e.g. Distribution or manufacturing, with a solid understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and cost optimisation strategies.
• Familiarity with packaging materials, suppliers, and processes, including trends, regulations, and best practices, especially for food or beverage products.
• Strong investigative skills, with the ability to research new suppliers, trends, and market conditions, and conduct thorough market analyses.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.) for tracking data, preparing reports, and communicating with teams.
• Experience with Sage is advantageous for managing procurement records, invoices, and supplier data.
• The ability to quickly learn new systems and software is crucial.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary (to be discussed at interview stage)
• Perk Box Membership
• Impro-share Scheme
• Company contributing Pension Scheme
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays