At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities, ensuring efficient sourcing of goods and services.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact by optimising procurement processes and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Three years' experience in procurement and strong analytical skills.
To manage and develop the day-to-day procurement activities of the business, ensuring goods and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively and in line with business requirements, quality standards and company procedures.
The Procurement Specialist will take ownership of the purchase order process, supplier selection and delivery tracking, applying sound commercial judgement to balance cost, quality and delivery requirements. The role will also support continuous improvement of procurement processes and work closely with the wider Operations team, contributing to the smooth running of day-to-day activities and providing flexible support across the team during periods of holiday or absence.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end purchase order process, ensuring orders are raised accurately and in accordance with company procedures and delegated authority.
- Review supplier options and quotations, assessing value for money, quality, lead times and suitability against business requirements.
- Make informed recommendations on supplier selection, balancing commercial considerations with quality and delivery requirements.
- Develop effective working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support reliable supply and resolve purchasing issues.
- Monitor supplier performance and address issues relating to cost, quality or delivery, escalating where appropriate.
- Identify opportunities to improve purchasing arrangements, reduce costs and achieve better value for the business.
Purchase Order and Delivery Management
- Establish and maintain a systematic approach to tracking purchase orders, providing clear visibility of order status and expected delivery dates.
- Proactively monitor outstanding orders and liaise with suppliers and internal teams to address delays or potential supply issues.
- Ensure purchasing activity supports project requirements and minimises the risk of disruption to business operations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchasing records within the relevant business systems.
Systems and Process Improvement
- Maintain and improve procurement processes, ensuring they remain effective, consistent and aligned with company requirements.
- Use procurement and business systems, including Sage and IFS, to manage purchasing activity and maintain accurate information.
- Use Excel and other Microsoft Office applications to analyse purchasing information, monitor orders and support reporting.
- Work in accordance with relevant company procedures and contribute to compliance with ISO 9001 quality management requirements.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, visibility and control across the procurement process.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Minimum of three years' experience in a procurement or purchasing role.
- Procurement knowledge and practical capability broadly equivalent to CIPS Level 4, including an understanding of supplier selection, purchasing processes, commercial considerations and supplier performance.
- Experience managing purchase orders and monitoring supplier deliveries.
- Ability to assess supplier options, considering cost, quality, lead times and business requirements.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft Office suite.
- Experience using purchasing or ERP systems, ideally Sage and IFS.
- Understanding of the importance of accurate purchasing records, process compliance and quality standards.
Desirable
- CIPS qualification, ideally Level 4, or working towards a relevant professional procurement qualification.
- Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality management environment.
- Experience arranging international business travel.
- Experience supporting, coaching or providing guidance to colleagues.
- Experience identifying and implementing procurement process improvements or cost-saving opportunities.
Person Specification
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance cost, quality and delivery when making purchasing decisions.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving, taking ownership of issues and driving them through to resolution.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess information and make informed decisions.
- Confident using initiative and exercising sound judgement within agreed processes and levels of authority.
- Collaborative team player, willing to support colleagues and provide cover where required.
- Adaptable and comfortable responding to changing business and project requirements.
- Committed to continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to improve processes and achieve better value.
- Professional, dependable and able to handle commercially sensitive information with discretion.
- Able to remain calm and effective under pressure.
Procurement Specialist in Norfolk employer: Langham Recruitment
As a Senior Stock Controller at our Snetterton location, you will join a dynamic team in the automotive technology sector, where innovation and precision are at the forefront of our operations. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values employee growth, offering training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and career progression. With competitive salaries and a commitment to maintaining a supportive environment, we ensure that our employees feel valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in Norfolk
✨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 Langham Recruitment.
✨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 Norfolk
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 Langham Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Langham Recruitment. 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 Langham Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Langham Recruitment
✨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 Langham Recruitment!
✨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 Langham Recruitment. 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 Langham Recruitment's culture.
