At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and optimise procurement processes in healthcare.
- Company: Leading healthcare and IVF network with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, international team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with both operational and strategic responsibilities, plus some travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare supply efficiency and reliability.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, ideally in healthcare, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
I'm currently partnering with a leading healthcare and IVF network to recruit a Procurement Specialist to support operations across the UK and Nordic region (including Iceland). This is a fantastic opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys balancing hands-on operational work with strategic sourcing initiatives in a highly regulated healthcare environment. The role is primarily focused on local supplier management (approx. 90%), with exposure to global procurement projects (approx. 10%).
The Opportunity
- Manage and maintain approved product and service catalogues, ensuring clinics have access to up-to-date pricing and standard items.
- Review and approve purchase orders in line with procurement policy and budget controls.
- Act as the key escalation point for supply-related issues (e.g., stock-outs, delivery delays, quality concerns).
- Track and report on procurement KPIs, identifying opportunities for savings and process improvements.
- Lead local sourcing initiatives end-to-end - from market research and RFP/RFQ preparation to negotiation and supplier contracting.
- Drive supplier performance management and continuous improvement.
- Standardise specifications across clinics to enable group purchasing leverage and quality consistency.
- Collaborate with global procurement colleagues to align local activities with broader strategy.
- Participate in governance forums and tender committees to ensure compliance and transparency.
What We're Looking For
- 3+ years' experience in procurement or purchasing, ideally within healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or laboratory supplies.
- Strong understanding of UK and/or Nordic supplier markets (healthcare/clinical exposure is highly advantageous).
- Experience working with ERP/e-procurement systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365 Navision/Business Central or similar).
- Confidence using spend analytics tools and supplier performance dashboards.
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable working in an international, cross-functional environment.
- Fluent English required; Nordic language skills are a plus.
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and calm under pressure.
What's on Offer
- The opportunity to directly impact cost efficiency and supply reliability within a growing healthcare organisation.
- Exposure to both operational and strategic procurement activities.
- A collaborative, international team environment.
- Role based in the UK or Nordics, with approximately 10% travel.
Procurement Specialist employer: 1st Executive Ltd
As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor with us, you'll thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters professional growth. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have access to training and mentorship opportunities that will enhance your career in the construction consultancy sector. Join us and be part of a collaborative culture that prioritises innovation and excellence in every project.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in local supplier management and strategic sourcing. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Procurement Specialist role! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace the application process and connect with top employers in the healthcare sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Specialist. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within healthcare or similar sectors, and don’t forget to mention any relevant tools you’ve used like ERP systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around local supplier management and strategic sourcing.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past roles to show how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or improved procurement processes. This will help us see your potential impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in healthcare and the Nordic markets. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your understanding of supplier management and strategic sourcing.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since you'll be using spend analytics tools and supplier performance dashboards, prepare to talk about how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of KPIs you've tracked and how they led to improvements or savings.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Prowess
Negotiation is key in procurement, so think of a few scenarios where you successfully negotiated terms with suppliers. Highlight your approach and the outcomes, as this will show your potential employer that you can handle tough conversations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle supply-related issues like stock-outs or delivery delays. Prepare some thoughtful responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and calmness under pressure, which are crucial in a regulated environment.
