At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and develop global category strategies in a dynamic automotive environment.
- Company: Join a leading automotive organisation based in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £35.78 per hour with flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a high-performing procurement team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving commercial value and managing complex sourcing activities.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualified with strong negotiation skills and procurement expertise.
Strategic Sourcing Specialist
?? Location: Gaydon, Warwickshire (CV35 0RR)
?? Rate: Up to £35.78 per hour (Umbrella)
?? Contract: Until 2nd August 2027
? Working Pattern: Full-Time, Part-Time, or candidates interested in both will be considered
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist to join a leading automotive organisation based in Gaydon. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing and delivering global category strategies, managing complex sourcing activities, and driving commercial value across a diverse supplier base. Working within a high-performing procurement function, you will lead category management and sourcing initiatives, ensuring the achievement of cost, quality, risk, and strategic business objectives while collaborating with stakeholders across multiple regions.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Category Strategy
Develop, maintain and deliver Strategic Category Plans in line with annual targets.
Utilise supplier, market and business analytics to inform category decisions.
Apply category strategies to sourcing activities, supplier selection and route-to-market decisions.
Ensure stakeholder and regional alignment to support strategy deployment.
Sourcing
Deliver sourcing projects in line with policy, GSP requirements and Total Cost of Ownership principles.
Lead complex commercial negotiations, securing necessary legal, financial and governance approvals.
Prepare and submit Global Strategy Approach Documents and ensure GSP compliance.
Drive stakeholder engagement and regional alignment on sourcing strategies.
Deliver category savings targets and support Make vs Buy assessments.
Manage supply chain risks and ensure regional teams adhere to category strategies.
Collaborate with specialist functions including Finance, Risk and Legal.
Act as the primary point of contact for supplier engagement and commercial discussions.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
CIPS qualified/accredited.
End-to-end procurement expertise across the 8-step procurement cycle.
Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
Ability to influence stakeholders and manage complex sourcing activities.
Flexible, agile and adaptable to changing business priorities.
Results-oriented with resilience, drive and a proven track record of delivery in demanding environments.
Willingness to travel to supplier and JLR locations.
Desirable
Knowledge of construction procurement and contract forms such as JCT, NEC and FIDIC.
Understanding of construction industry markets and supply chains.
Experience working closely with operational stakeholders within the category area.
Previous supplier-side or category-specific industry experience.
TPBN1_UKTJ
Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Warwick employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Warwick
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like All The Top Bananas.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to All The Top Bananas. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like All The Top Bananas.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at All The Top Bananas!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at All The Top Bananas. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into All The Top Bananas's culture.