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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage sourcing operations, negotiate contracts, and develop supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join a $1.6B global leader in specialty chemicals and niche products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving growth and innovation in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain Management and 5 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge materials in various industries.
Location: Cheshire UK
Salary: £80K - £100K + Bonus + Benefits
Hrs: 08:30 - 17:00hrs (flexibility required)
Contract: Permanent
Company and Role
Our client is a highly reputable $1.6B Global Company, specialising in developing, producing, and distributing a broad range of specialty Chemicals, Minerals & Niche Products for markets including Construction, Agriculture, Steel, Oil & Gas industries.
We are seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist (EMEA) to manage a segment of the company's end-to-end sourcing operations, with annual purchasing requirements of $20M. You will analyse spend, negotiate contracts, and develop long-term partnerships with suppliers. This role demands expertise in sourcing raw materials, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), financial analysis, and supply chain optimisation in a fast-paced, global manufacturing environment. This critical role supports growth objectives by fostering strategic supplier relationships, ensuring material quality, and enhancing supply chain/logistics efficiency.
Key Responsibilities of the Strategic Sourcing Specialist:
- S&OP Coordination: Collaborate in the Sales & Operations Planning process to ensure the supply of critical materials aligns with plant requirements.
- Contract Negotiations: Lead supply contract negotiations and manage pricing/terms adjustments as needed.
- Sourcing Strategies: Develop and implement sourcing and category management strategies focusing on value, capacity, and contingency planning.
- Cost Analysis: Monitor cost drivers and use statistical analysis to inform sourcing decisions/strategies.
- Quality Enforcement: Ensure world class product quality through material standards, KPIs, and issue resolution processes.
- Supplier Development: Identify and qualify new suppliers to mitigate risk and support growth.
- New Product Development Support: Partner with R&D to qualify components/materials for new products.
- Supply Chain Cost Optimization: Analyse costs and recommend improvements to enhance performance and profitability.
- Logistics Coordination: Plan and coordinate long-lead time overseas orders and manage import/export freight logistics.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Act as the primary contact for supplier relationships and oversee the Supplier Quality Management program.
- ISO Compliance: Support ISO management systems (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018) with a focus on supplier control and material qualification.
As the Strategic Sourcing Specialist, you will have the following skills & qualifications:
- Education: Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain management, preferably in an international, multi-site manufacturing business. Must have solid experience in sourcing raw materials.
- Knowledge: Experience with Steel, Mining, Refractories or Chemical products.
- ERP Systems: Proficiency in ERP environments, with Oracle E-Business Suite experience preferred.
- Technical Expertise: Strong MRP knowledge and experience in Procure-to-Pay processes in a Manufacturing environment.
- Analytical Skills: Financial acumen with experience in cost analysis and reporting.
- Microsoft Office: Advanced proficiency in Word and Excel.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
- Problem-Solving: Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strategic Sourcing Specialist (EMEA) employer: Pertemps
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Specialist (EMEA)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific industries mentioned in the job description, such as construction and chemicals. Understanding the nuances of these sectors will help you speak their language during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in supply chain management, especially those who have experience in sourcing raw materials. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as this role involves leading contract negotiations. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or colleague to practice articulating your points clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current suppliers and any recent news related to their sourcing strategies. This knowledge will not only prepare you for potential interview questions but also show your genuine interest in the company and its operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sourcing Specialist (EMEA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain management and sourcing raw materials. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities, such as contract negotiations or supplier relationship management.
Highlight Analytical Skills: Emphasise your analytical skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've used financial analysis and cost monitoring to inform sourcing decisions in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Since exceptional communication skills are crucial for this role, include examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams or managed supplier relationships in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps
✨Understand the Company and Industry
Before your interview, take some time to research the company and its position within the specialty chemicals industry. Familiarise yourself with their products, markets, and competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your interest and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the Strategic Sourcing Specialist role, be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing raw materials, MRP, and cost analysis. Prepare examples from your past work that showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities in a supply chain context.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a key part of this role. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes to illustrate your effectiveness in this area.
✨Demonstrate Communication and Teamwork
As the role involves collaboration with various teams, emphasise your communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally. Share examples of how you've led teams or worked with others to achieve common goals, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
