Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes and supplier communications for a leading defence organisation.
- Company: Join a world-class defence organisation based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and potential long-term contracts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making an impact in the defence sector.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience and SAP knowledge required; GCSEs in Maths and English preferred.
- Other info: Flexible self-starter attitude and strong communication skills are essential.
World Class Defence Organisation based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire is currently looking to recruit a Purchasing / Procurement Officer.
The role does require a Procurement background and understanding of SAP.
Rate:£27.00 per hour
Overtime Rate: Hours worked over the standard 37 hours per week, will be paid at time and a quarter
Location: Stevenage
Hybrid / Remote working: The role will be 1 or 2 days a week in the office and the rest remote
Duration: 6 Months with very likely extension. Contracts are often ongoing and long-term thereafter.
IR35 status: Inside IR35 (Umbrella)
Interview process: One stage video interview
Purchasing / Procurement Officer Job Description:
Focal point for working with the CSS Spares and Repairs Team in the organisation and the management of customer repairs and spares procurement based upon the requests made by internal project teams.
Supplier assessment, adherence to open order books, supplier communications to ensure on time deliveries, communication/solutions provision for delayed deliveries and measuring/feedback on supplier performance.
Responsibilities
Purchasing
Responsibilities include processing of electronic and manual requisitions.
Use of SAP to raise request for quotations (RFQ)
Creating Excel spread sheets to assess the data to aid supplier selection process.
Raising of purchase orders within SAP.
Progressing of orders to ensure on time delivery to the internal customers.
Purchase order amendment in line with changing delivery forecasts post order acknowledgment.
Maintain dialogue with internal customer to ensure topical delivery forecast are maintained.
Holding & supporting business operational reviews
Administration
Liaise with both Bought Ledger and vendors to resolve Invoice queries and enable timely and accurate payments.
Data cleansing of SAP to ensure accurate data collection.
Quality assessment and measurement of suppliers. Distribution of monthly reports to vendors and ensuring correct reason codes are annotated, enabling accurate reports for delivery and quality purposes.
Skillet/experience required:
Proactive approach flexible self-starter
IT Literate – Must be able to use Microsoft Office (Word; Power Point; Excel; Outlook) to a proficient level. (A working knowledge of SAP is an advantage.)
Education: Educated to basic secondary level: (Maths, English to O level/GCSE/NVQ as a minimum)
Ability to effectively communicate and maintain good relations with both internal customers and external suppliers.
Ability to work under pressure to deadlines in a professional manner
Purchasing / Procurement Officer employer: Certain Advantage
Contact Detail:
Certain Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing / Procurement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SAP and its functionalities, as this is a key requirement for the role. Consider taking an online course or tutorial to brush up on your skills, which will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in the defence sector. Join relevant LinkedIn groups or attend industry events to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the video interview by practising common procurement-related questions and scenarios. Think about how you would handle supplier issues or manage tight deadlines, as these are likely to come up during your discussion.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, by being ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used it in past roles. Highlight any experience you have with data analysis or reporting, as this will be valuable in the purchasing officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing / Procurement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and your familiarity with SAP. Use specific examples of past roles where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or processed orders.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention how your proactive approach and IT skills make you a great fit for the position, and provide examples of how you've worked under pressure to meet deadlines.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, as well as your ability to communicate effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Prepare for the Interview: Since the interview is a one-stage video call, practice common procurement-related questions and be ready to discuss your experience with SAP and supplier management. Also, prepare questions to ask about the team and the projects you'll be involved in.
How to prepare for a job interview at Certain Advantage
✨Showcase Your Procurement Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of procurement processes and your experience with SAP. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and procurement tasks in the past.
✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency
Since the role requires strong IT skills, especially in Microsoft Office and SAP, be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. You might even want to mention any specific projects where you used Excel for data analysis or SAP for order management.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, particularly in handling delayed deliveries or invoice queries. Think of scenarios from your previous roles where you successfully navigated challenges and be ready to share those stories.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to explain how you've maintained good relations with both internal customers and external suppliers. Share examples of how you’ve resolved conflicts or facilitated discussions to ensure smooth operations.
