At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes and develop supplier relationships to support business goals.
- Company: Leading utilities company powering one-fifth of the nation's electricity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible role with international travel and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the energy sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement strategies and strong stakeholder management skills.
Our client is a leading utilities company, producing around one-fifth of the nation’s electricity and employing more than 15,000 people.
As the Procurement Specialist you will work with both key business stakeholders and the Supply Chain team, to support the business owners to develop and manage a suite of contracts and supplier relationships to support the ambition of the Business unit as a whole. End to end management of the procurement process includes contributing to the identification of a range of third party services required to support the business plans, developing supply chain strategies, gaining Supply Chain Manager and Business Stakeholders “Buy in” and the timely delivery of a portfolio of contracts to support the agreed supply chain and procurement strategy.
You will report to the Procurement & Supply Chain Manager – Marketing, Innovation & Partnerships. Your focus will be towards the business stakeholders in deploying a professional and value driven end to end supply chain approach. A high degree of flexibility is required in the role in order to support Business stakeholders as there will be travel to various sites and locations across Europe as well as visiting suppliers.
Accountabilities
- To identify requirements and support the delivery of the procurement strategy for the assigned category, in conjunction with the business strategy, taking account of other activities within the Supply Chain portfolio and helping to drive the supply chain strategy to conclusion in a timely and professional manner;
- Ensure that business support teams, such as Legal and other stakeholders, are contributing to the delivery of the portfolio. The Senior Supply Chain Specialist will manage the workflow to ensure that the 'Acquire Goods and Services' process is carried out in a timely manner that meets business expectations;
- Ensure that all supply chain activities are carried out in an ethical and controlled manner in line with supply chain policy and procedures;
- To generate and record savings for the company through effective procurement management;
- Develop a supplier base that is appropriate to the size and complexity of the organisation, and mitigate supplier risk;
- Ensure that third party suppliers and contractors work in alignment with health, safety, environment and quality practices and standards;
- Ensure that suppliers deliver the expected goods and services, to the required quality, in a timely manner and at agreed costs. Manage exceptions effectively and ensure mitigating actions are put in place and delivered;
- Ensure that risks are understood and mitigated to an agreed level, through effective contracts and the development of appropriate professional relationships with key suppliers and contractors;
- Assist with the ongoing review of Supply Chain practices and procedures as well as carry out ad hoc project work when required.
Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience
- The post holder will ideally be a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or a student member working towards the professional qualification;
- Demonstrated stakeholder management skills with experience and ability in working with and advising Senior Management;
- Experience of developing procurement strategies for projects;
- A good level of understanding of contract and commercial law and sound understanding of contractual terms and conditions;
- Experience in Bid Process Management including supplier sourcing, documentation, evaluation and selection and managing the tendering and award of contracts for high value multidiscipline contracts;
- Experienced in negotiating high value contracts;
- Commercial acumen, being able to understand complex commercial issues, and drive complex commercial negotiations to conclusion;
- Experience of working with partners to promote the clients service e.g. price comparison websites;
- Team player with proven experience working with cross functional teams;
- Project planning skills;
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
- A degree of flexibility will be required in the role in order to support Business stakeholders; there will be travel to other client sites, and wider ad-hoc international travel.
Procurement Executive in Croydon employer: Ember Search
Join a dynamic UK-based company that values innovation and collaboration, making it an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in a supportive Agile environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Experience a work culture that encourages teamwork and creativity, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Executive in Croydon
✨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 Ember Search.
✨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 Executive in Croydon
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 Ember Search:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Ember Search. 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 Ember Search.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ember Search
✨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 Ember Search!
✨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 Ember Search. 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 Ember Search's culture.
