Sourcing Specialist (New Joint Venture) (m/f/x) in Skelmersdale

The Sourcing Specialist is responsible for supporting strategic sourcing and procurement activities to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and compliant acquisition of goods and services. This role works closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to execute sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance, support negotiations, and drive value through quality, service, cost, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibilities are around direct materials sourcing of moulded plastics, specialist metal parts and textiles.
• Support and execute sourcing events, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs, in line with business requirements and procurement policies.
• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage suppliers to ensure performance, continuity, and compliance expectations are met.
• Partner with internal business stakeholders to understand demand, specifications, timelines, and commercial requirements.
• Assist with pricing analysis, cost comparisons, total cost of ownership assessments, and supplier negotiations.
• Support the preparation, review, and administration of contracts and commercial terms.
• Help ensure sourcing activities comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and supplier governance expectations.
• Conduct market research and supplier benchmarking to identify opportunities, trends, innovation, and supply risks.
• Track supplier KPIs, delivery performance, service levels, and issue resolution activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in sourcing processes, supplier performance, and cost management.
• Maintain sourcing records, supplier documentation, savings tracking, and performance reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Relevant experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or supplier management, particularly in direct materials procurement.
• Experience supporting competitive bidding processes and supplier negotiations.
• Familiarity with contract terms, commercial analysis, and supplier performance management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and commercial judgment skills.
• Effective communication, stakeholder management, and influencing capability.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborative, proactive, and results-oriented approach.

Additional Knowledge / Nice-to-Have Skills

• Professional certification such as CIPS or progress toward certification.
• Experience in a regulated business environment.
• Experience in indirect sourcing is desirable.
• Knowledge of UK supplier market practices and commercial contracting standards.
• Experience with spend analytics and sourcing tools.
• Experience using ERP, procurement, or source-to-pay systems is desirable.

The successful candidate may be employed by 3M prior to the closing of the joint venture transaction and the position is expected to transition to the new joint venture following completion of the transaction. Role scope and timing are subject to business needs and successful transaction close. 3M is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race/ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity-related matters, age or disability, or any other relevant characteristic protected under applicable local law.