Procurement Team Leader

About us

SLS have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Team Leader to join our innovative & fast paced business based in Nottingham.

SLS are the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals & consumables. Because of our independence, we have a unique approach to sourcing & supplying the highest quality, best value products & brands.

Job Summary

This role forms part of the organisation’s centralised Procurement Team, which is fundamental to the continued development of the business. The role is to manage up to 8 direct reports, manage supplier relationships and stock levels effectively, negotiate and control our pricing and deliver exceptional service to both internal and external customers, driving sustainable business practices and deliver best value for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a team of up to 8 buyers, including monthly 1-2-1’s, mentoring, training, management of daily tasks, managing stock inventory levels. Maintain acceptable levels of stock both financially and to satisfy customers’ needs.
• Deputising for the Procurement Manager as and when required.
• Identify the organisations purchasing requirements and placing orders as required, in a timely manner for both stock and direct shipments, monitor through back-order reports to expediate deliveries.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure maximum competitive pricing, product quality, continuity of supply.
• Maximisation of stock holding inventory levels, consolidate spend by supplier where appropriate.
• Management and delivery of continual improvement of all activities within the Procurement Department, allowing for the development of relationships between internal and external stakeholders.
• Negotiating best prices proactively and on daily basis for “specials purchases”
• Building relationships with suppliers to ensure the best price, quality and on time delivery.
• Communicating supply issues daily to internal stakeholders.
• Management and delivery of spend and performance activity reports.
• Attending supplier meetings where required.
• Representing Procurement Team in internal and external meetings where required.
• Promoting the department to other internal departments, with can do attitude.
• Ensuring cover for all team members during holidays and absences.
• Driving Sustainability and Modern Slavery initiatives with suppliers as required.
• Advocate a continuous improvement programme within the team.
• Additional responsibilities as requested by the Procurement Manager.

Who we are looking for

• Degree in Procurement/Business related subject, or equivalent of work experience.
• Maths and English to GCSE or equivalent.
• Working in a fast-paced environment, managing orders, queries and stakeholder requirements concurrently.
• Demonstratable experience of managing supply and demand delivering expected benefits.
• Experienced in managing risk in the supply chain and direct reports.
• Interpersonal skills, able to build positive relationships with colleagues, key stakeholders and suppliers.
• Capable of influencing and working with staff at all levels to drive change.
• Knowledge of trends and best practice in Procurement.
• Highly competent/computer literate with several Microsoft Office applications and relevant software packages.
• Drive and determination to succeed – can overcome obstacles.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Proven leadership skills, inspiring and motivating team members.
• Decision Making – can make informed and timely decisions under pressure.
• Organisational skills – Time management, delegation and goal setting. Be able to define clear objectives and track progress effectively.
• Handle internal team disputes impartially to maintain a collaborative environment and can identify conflicts early and address them before they escalate.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel and work between the organisation and external sites in a cost effective and timely manner.
• Flexible approach to workloads, work patterns and variety.

What we offer

Alongside our commitment to your professional & personal development, the Procurement Team Leader will also receive a generous benefits package including:

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Company pension
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
• Small, friendly, & sociable teams with staff events
• Career opportunities for development & progression
• We are also proud to be a Living Wage Employer

SLS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.