At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities, supplier relationships, and ensure compliance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Element, a fast-growing global testing and certification business.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop strategic skills, and enjoy career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring value for money and improving procurement processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or sourcing, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
- Other info: Work with a diverse team and contribute to making tomorrow safer than today.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Procurement Specialist delivers tactical and operational procurement activity across defined categories. The role manages licensing, renewals, and transactional technology deals, oversees supplier relationships within assigned areas, and ensures accurate reporting and contract control. This position acts as the link between strategic procurement leadership and day-to-day operational delivery, ensuring compliance, value for money, and effective stakeholder engagement.
Core Responsibilities
- Sourcing & Category Support
- Deliver sourcing activity for licensing, renewals, and tactical/transactional procurement
- Run RFQs, mini-competitions, benchmarking, and supplier negotiations within delegated authority
- Support category development through spend analysis, market research, and pricing reviews
- Manage supplier relationships within assigned categories, including performance reviews and issue resolution
- Maintain contract records, renewal schedules, and documentation to ensure compliance and audit readiness
- Support contract drafting, variation requests, and contract extensions under the guidance of the Procurement Manager
- Operational Procurement
- Support procurement governance by ensuring all activity follows approved policies, procedures, and thresholds
- Guide internal stakeholders through sourcing processes, system workflows, and procurement best practice
- Assist in supplier onboarding, risk checks, and due diligence activities
- Data, Reporting & Systems
- Produce and maintain procurement reports and dashboards (Excel, Power BI)
- Monitor spend, contract status, and supplier performance data to support decision-making
- Maintain accurate information across procurement and contract management systems
- Contribute to process optimisation, system enhancements, and documentation improvements
- Support supplier consolidation and standardisation initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce cost
- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve service delivery to stakeholders
Skills / Qualifications
- Experience in procurement, sourcing, or commercial operations
- Strong analytical and reporting skills (Excel essential; Power BI desirable)
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers and contracts within defined categories or cost centres
- Knowledge of procurement governance, compliance, and risk controls
- Good understanding of RFQs, negotiation techniques, and basic contract terminology
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels
- Experience using procurement, ERP, or contract management systems (e.g., Coupa, Ariba, Oracle, Business World, Unit4, SAP)
- Experience in technology, licensing, or services procurement
- CIPS Level 3 or above (or working towards)
- Experience contributing to continuous improvement or system implementation projects
- Analytical Thinking
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Negotiation & Influence
- Attention to Detail
- Process Discipline
What This Role Offers
- A defined procurement remit with category ownership
- Opportunities to develop into strategic procurement work over time
- Hands-on responsibility for contracts, suppliers, and business engagement
- Exposure to reporting, systems, and process improvement initiatives
Company Overview
Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.
Procurement Specialist in Edinburgh employer: Element Materials Technology
Contact Detail:
Element Materials Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Show them you understand their needs and how you can add value right from day one. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience with RFQs and supplier negotiations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and make sure to follow up on your applications to show your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your negotiation skills! Whether it’s discussing salary or terms of employment, being confident in your abilities will set you apart. Remember, you’re not just looking for a job; you’re looking for the right fit for both you and the employer.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Procurement Specialist role. Highlight your experience in procurement, sourcing, and any relevant technology deals you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are key for this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your experience with Excel and Power BI. Include specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super straightforward, and we’ll be able to track your application easily. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Element Materials Technology
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around RFQs, negotiation techniques, and contract terminology. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting, particularly using Excel and Power BI. Bring examples of how you've used these tools to monitor spend or supplier performance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Think of specific instances where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders at various levels. Be ready to share how you guided them through sourcing processes or resolved issues with suppliers, as effective communication is key in procurement.
✨Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Be prepared to talk about any contributions you've made to process optimisation or system enhancements in your previous roles. This shows that you're not just about maintaining the status quo but are also keen on improving efficiency and reducing costs.