At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure stock availability.
- Company: Join a leading sports nutrition brand with a focus on innovation and performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy an on-site gym, product discounts, and a birthday day off!
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sports nutrition industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree or qualification in procurement/supply chain; previous experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Who We Are
Science In Sport Group is a world leader in sports and performance nutrition.
We have two highly regarded brands; Si S which combines world-class science and innovation to provide optimal performance nutritional solutions for professional athletes, sports and fitness enthusiasts and the active lifestyle community.
This includes over 320 professional teams worldwide across a broad range of sports including Football, Rugby, Cycling, Athletics, Basketball, Netball and Swimming.
Brand ambassadors include former track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, an eleven-time world champion and six-time Olympic champion, and Eilish Mc Colgan, who won gold in the 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres.
Ph D Nutrition is a premium, active-nutrition brand for the active lifestyle community wanting intelligent nutrition to help them achieve their goals.
With over 20 years of research and development, our products are designed to maximise performance in and out of the gym.
It’s an exciting time for Ph D Nutrition as 2025 will kick off an entirely new line up of brand ambassadors, from hybrid athletes to qualified sports nutritionists.
The two brands sell through the phd. com and scienceinsport. com digital platforms, third-party online marketplaces including Amazon, as well as extensive domestic and international retail distribution.
In 2022 the company opened a state of the art 160,000 square foot manufacturing and logistics facility in Blackburn, Lancashire.
Providing a significant advantage in product costs and customer response time and most importantly, allowing Science In Sport to lead the way for quality standards.
Science In Sport is the nutrition partner to globally recognised elite teams, including Tottenham Hotspur, Saracens Rugby, British Triathlon, Aquatics GB, British Cycling, England Netball and Loughborough Sports.
As well as being the Official Energy Gel Provider of Run Through and the Official Nutrition Partner of Ultra X.
The Role
The Procurement Specialist will report to the Supply Chain Manager and take ownership of procurement activity across assigned categories at Science in Sport, leading RFQs (Request for Quotations) and tenders, selecting and negotiating with suppliers, and managing contracts to drive efficiency, value and effectiveness.
The role also supports supply planning and wider procurement processes, such as raising purchase orders and resolving invoice queries, where relevant.
- Contract: Permanent
- Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum
- Location: Blackburn
Benefits
- On-site gym
- Cycle to work scheme
- Product discount
- Birthday day off
- Pension scheme, employer contribution at 4%
- The work – Your 4 most important responsibilities
- Key stock item availability
Review daily stock positions for key raw materials, packaging and finished goods; check open purchase orders, supplier confirmations and delivery dates; elevate shortages or risks early to the Supply Chain Manager; work with planning and operations teams to prioritise critical items and support production continuity.
Sourcing, supplier performance and commercial value
Lead Request for Quotations (RFQs), tenders and supplier selection for assigned categories; monitor supplier delivery performance, responsiveness, quality issues and pricing; follow up on late or incomplete deliveries; maintain regular contact with suppliers to resolve day-to-day issues; support price checks, cost comparisons and negotiation preparation to ensure the business receives value for money.
Supply continuity and inventory management
Review demand, stock cover, minimum order quantities and lead times to identify supply risks; support safety stock checks and inventory accuracy; help manage aged, excess or slow-moving stock; work with internal stakeholders to balance availability, working capital and warehouse capacity.
Procure-to-pay and business support
Raise and maintain purchase orders accurately; check order acknowledgements, delivery notes and invoice queries; resolve basic pricing, quantity or goods-receipting issues; keep procurement records up to date and support internal teams with purchasing information, supplier updates and process guidance.
- Accountability – What You Are Responsible For Delivering
- Strategic Procurement
- Leading RFQs (Request for Quotations) and tender processes for assigned categories
- Supplier selection and evaluation to identify the best-fit partners
- Negotiating favourable commercial and contract terms in alignment with overall category and business strategy
- Ongoing contract management to ensure compliance and value delivery
- Gathering market intelligence and generating reports, as relevant
- Identifying, delivering and tracking cost-saving initiatives
- Supplier Management
- Supplier onboarding, ensuring new suppliers meet quality, compliance and commercial standards
- Maintaining the approved supplier list and associated governance
- Conducting regular supplier performance reviews
- Developing and managing supplier relationships
- Supplier development activity to build capability and improve value
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to proactively manage risk in the supply chain, including supply chain de‑risking initiatives
- Purchasing & Execution
- Purchase order ownership, including raising and amending purchase orders
- Managing contract call-offs
- Confirming orders and managing supplier ETAs
- Expediting and de‑expediting orders as demand changes
- Managing the supplier order book and tracking deliveries through to receipt
- Managing supplier OTIF (on-time-in-full) performance
- Be the point of contact for day-to-day supply challenges and elevate to the Supply Chain Manager as relevant
- Reporting & Budget Control
- Spend analysis and measuring adherence to budgets
- Tracking and reporting cost savings
- Producing supplier KPI reports
- Producing procurement KPI reports
- Monitoring budgets across assigned categories
- Capability – the skills and behaviours required to do this job well
- Degree level education or part/full professional qualification in procurement, supply chain, business or a related discipline; CIPS qualification levels 4-6 or working towards CIPS is desirable.
- Previous procurement or purchasing experience, preferably within a manufacturing, FMCG or fast-paced supply chain environment.
- Experience supporting sourcing activity, supplier negotiations, supplier relationship management and procurement process improvement.
- Working knowledge of procure‑to‑pay processes, purchase order management, invoice query resolution and supplier master data requirements.
- Confident using ERP systems, preferably SAP, and Microsoft Excel to support procurement reporting, spend analysis and decision-making.
- Diligence and strong stakeholder management
- Experience leading RFQs (Request for Quotations), tenders and supplier selection processes, and a working understanding of contract management and compliance monitoring.
- Performance – how you will know you are doing a great job
- Procurement activity is delivered efficiently, accurately and in line with agreed category plans, business priorities and budget expectations.
- Suppliers are managed proactively, with strong relationships, timely issue resolution, improved service levels and clear performance follow-up.
- Cost savings, value improvements and commercial opportunities are identified, delivered and tracked effectively.
- Materials are available to support production requirements, with supply risks escalated early and appropriate actions taken to protect continuity of supply.
- Purchase orders, invoice queries, supplier data and reporting activities are managed accurately and on time, supporting a smooth procure-to-pay process.
Attributes – experience and mindset that will enable you to do well in this role.
- Ability to think creatively about supply chain challenges
- Ability to work in a fast-paced organisation; working with stakeholders across different global regions
- High attention to detail
- Strong communication both orally and written
- Analytical and numerate
- Innovative
- Influencing and persuasion
Science in Sport Group is an equal opportunity employer; we value diversity and strive to cultivate an inclusive workplace.
We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind in regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We fully support reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process, to provide an inclusive and welcoming recruitment experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Procurement Specialist in Blackburn employer: Science in Sport Group
Science In Sport Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the sports nutrition industry. With a state-of-the-art facility in Blackburn, employees benefit from an on-site gym, a cycle-to-work scheme, and a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and development. The company values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all team members can thrive while contributing to the success of world-class brands like SiS and PhD Nutrition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in Blackburn
✨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 Science in Sport Group.
✨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 Blackburn
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 Science in Sport Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Science in Sport Group. 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 Science in Sport Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science in Sport Group
✨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 Science in Sport Group!
✨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 Science in Sport Group. 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 Science in Sport Group's culture.
