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- Tasks: Join us as an Indirect Procurement Specialist, sourcing and managing essential goods for our innovative clean-tech company.
- Company: Sunswap is a pioneering clean-tech firm focused on zero-emission transport refrigeration solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, free lunches, and a cycle to work scheme!
- Why this job: Be part of a rapidly growing company making a real impact in sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: 5 years in procurement, strong analytical skills, and experience with ERP systems required.
- Other info: Opportunity for a sabbatical after 3 years and a chance to work with industry leaders.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Sunswap is a clean-tech innovator, pioneering the world's first fully electric, battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) — a true zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered systems. Our mission is to decarbonise the global cold chain, delivering sustainable solutions for the transport and logistics industry.
Since our founding in 2020, we have grown rapidly and secured key partnerships with industry leaders like Tesco and DFDS to bring our cutting-edge refrigeration technology to market. Our achievements have earned significant recognition, including the 2024 Technological Breakthrough Award from the Cold Chain Federation and a place in The Sunday Times Best Companies 2024 list, celebrating our outstanding workplace culture.
At Sunswap, we are united by a shared vision of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, where every team member is empowered to make a meaningful impact.
- 30 days of annual leave (includes a Wellbeing Day)
- Sabbatical (after 3 years of working with Sunswap)
- 5 free counselling sessions per year
- Family leave ranging from 4 weeks to 4 months
- Free Monthly Lunches & Quarterly Socials!
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free Sunswap merch
The Indirect Procurement Specialist will support the building out of a robust supply chain as we scale. You will be responsible for sourcing and managing non-production goods and services critical to the smooth operation of manufacturing and production. This includes procurement of items such as MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) supplies, IT services & equipment, marketing materials/services, transportation services, utilities, facility management, third-party logistics (3PL) services and other support services.
The role focuses on cost optimisation, supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. You will play a key role in supporting our procurement activities, with a strong focus on operational tasks to ensure smooth coordination across the supply chain. Your contribution will help keep operations efficient and responsive in a dynamic environment. The role is a great opportunity to be part of building a high-growth business where every day pushes your boundaries.
Key Responsibilities:- Source, negotiate, and manage contracts for indirect categories.
- Ensure that tactical and operational supply chain activities for all indirect categories are effectively managed and executed on time.
- Identify new suppliers to source the best products in terms of value, delivery schedules, sustainable practice and quality.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising operational reliability or quality standards.
- Develop, improve and manage procurement processes to support business and supply chain function development.
- Manage vendor performance, track KPIs (delivery reliability, cost adherence, etc.), and initiate corrective actions where needed.
- Collaborate with internal departments (engineering, logistics, production, aftermarket) to understand procurement needs and develop specifications.
- Monitor market trends and supplier innovations in cold chain logistics and recommend improvements.
- Maintain procurement records and ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards.
- Analyse spend data, produce statistics and identify costs and saving opportunities.
- Demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset and optimise procurement operations for efficiency.
- Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to ensure favourable agreements.
- Support other areas of the business when required.
- A creative problem solver – you find enjoyment in finding solutions to complex issues.
- Not dependent on process – you are comfortable with doing things differently and ready to challenge us to do the same.
- Comfortable working autonomously – juggling multiple projects and activities at once.
- An effective communicator – keen to share your opinions and ideas whilst building on others’.
- Customer centric – you see the bigger picture of what we are trying to achieve.
- A pragmatist – you understand the trade-offs between commercial and technical supply chain decisions.
- Key understanding and experience within an indirect/category management role.
- Commercial and financial awareness including strong analytical abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
- Ability to travel to meet with suppliers as required.
- Experience with an industry standard ERP system.
- Experience of detailed quotation analysis and developing / challenging pricing with suppliers where appropriate.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to simplify complex data.
- 5 years of experience in a purchasing/procurement role.
- MCIPS or studying towards.
- Broad experience within manufacturing – preferably in the automotive industry.
- Understanding of key cost drivers in manufacturing processes.
Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Supply Chain
Industries: Manufacturing
Indirect Procurement Specialist employer: Sunswap
Contact Detail:
Sunswap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Procurement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Sunswap's mission and values. Understanding their focus on sustainability and innovation will help you align your answers during interviews, showcasing how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in clean-tech or manufacturing. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends in cold chain logistics and procurement strategies. Being knowledgeable about current developments will allow you to discuss relevant topics confidently during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills by thinking of examples where you've successfully identified cost-saving opportunities or improved procurement processes in previous roles. This will highlight your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and supply chain management. Focus on your achievements in cost optimisation, supplier management, and any specific projects that align with Sunswap's mission.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and innovation, which are core to Sunswap's values. Mention how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the Indirect Procurement Specialist role.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight any experience with ERP systems or detailed quotation analysis.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in this role. Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully collaborated with different departments or managed vendor relationships to achieve procurement goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunswap
✨Understand Sunswap's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you know Sunswap's mission to decarbonise the global cold chain. Familiarise yourself with their innovative technology and recent achievements, as this will show your genuine interest in the company and its goals.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in indirect procurement roles. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully sourced suppliers, negotiated contracts, or identified cost-saving opportunities, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform procurement decisions. Bring examples of how you've simplified complex data or produced statistics that led to actionable insights.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about Sunswap's future projects, their approach to supplier relationships, or how they measure success in procurement. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
