At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing processes and build strong supplier relationships to ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join ALPLA, a global leader in high-quality plastic packaging.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, career development, and additional perks.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and upskilling.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while working with top brands and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years of procurement experience and strong negotiation skills.
Procurement Specialist Site Based – Golborne, Warrington WA3 (Supporting all UK Operations)
Starting salary from £35,000 - £55,000 (Depending on experience) + Salary Reviews, Annual Performance related Bonus + Additional Benefits
At ALPLA, we stand for high-quality plastic packaging throughout the world.
Around 22,000 colleagues produce quality packaging for foodstuffs, cosmetics and industrial cleaning brands for many blue-chip clients across 182 ALPLA sites in 45 countries - an opportunity to work for a true independent market leader and part of an established global group
We’re looking for a hands-on Procurement Specialist to join our team and support the day-to-day purchasing needs of our UK manufacturing operations.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys getting things done, working with suppliers, negotiating costs and solving problems.
You’ll play an important role in making sure the materials, services and equipment our sites need are available when they’re needed — helping to keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly.
You’ll manage a mix of direct and indirect procurement, giving you the opportunity to work across a wide range of categories and with teams throughout the business.
Tasks & responsibilities
You’ll take ownership of the purchasing process from request through to delivery, making sure orders are placed accurately, suppliers deliver on time and any issues are dealt with quickly.
Your responsibilities will include
- Raising and managing purchase orders and ensuring they are processed accurately and on time.
- Following up outstanding orders and chasing suppliers when deliveries are delayed.
- Resolving issues such as late deliveries, pricing discrepancies, invoice queries and order changes.
- Working closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, Maintenance, Warehouse, Finance and Operations.
- Managing suppliers and building strong working relationships.
- Obtaining quotes and negotiating pricing and commercial terms.
- Finding opportunities to reduce costs and improve value.
- Supporting sourcing and supplier selection for locally managed categories.
- Monitoring supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery and service.
- Maintaining accurate purchasing and supplier information within our ERP system.
- Ensuring procurement activity follows company policies, contracts and approval processes.
- Supporting procurement projects, process improvements and sustainability initiatives.
We’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and commercially minded, with the confidence to work independently and build good relationships with both suppliers and internal teams.
Ideally, you’ll have
- 2–5 years' procurement experience, preferably within a manufacturing, industrial or similar environment.
- Experience managing purchase orders and the Purchase-to-Pay process.
- Experience working with suppliers and resolving delivery or commercial issues.
- Confidence negotiating pricing and commercial terms.
- Experience using an ERP system such as SAP, D365, Oracle or similar.
- Good working knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Good communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- A practical, proactive approach to problem solving.
A degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business or a related subject is desirable, as is CIPS Level 3 or above or a willingness to work towards it.
Experience in plastics, packaging, FMCG, automotive or another manufacturing environment would be an advantage, but we're interested in transferable procurement experience too.
ALPLA UK offer career development and progression opportunities – we support and upskill, a perfect opportunity for someone looking to enhance their career within a Global Manufacturing organisation
Due to the high volume of applications we receive you will only be contacted if your skill set and experience match the requirements of the position.
Contact Kerry Mc Cormick – UK Talent Lead – for more information
Procurement Specialist in Golborne employer: ALPLA UK Ltd
At ALPLA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture and numerous opportunities for employee growth. Located in Golborne, our team enjoys excellent benefits, including life assurance, a company pension scheme, and access to a unique perk box that provides discounts and freebies. Join us as a Utility Technician and be part of a dedicated team that values quality and safety while working with leading international brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in Golborne
✨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 ALPLA UK Ltd.
✨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 Procurement Specialist in Golborne
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 ALPLA UK Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ALPLA UK Ltd. 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 ALPLA UK Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALPLA UK Ltd
✨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 ALPLA UK Ltd!
✨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 ALPLA UK Ltd. 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 ALPLA UK Ltd's culture.
