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- Tasks: Lead procurement operations and develop supplier relationships for impactful results.
- Company: Dynamic company in Harwell, Oxfordshire with a focus on strategic procurement.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical care, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and drive real change in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and leadership capabilities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous improvement in a collaborative team.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 41000 £ per year.
Overview: Permanent position based in Harwell, Oxfordshire with a salary range of £37,500 - £41,000. Hybrid working available after passing a 6-month probationary period.
Are you a procurement professional who sees waste before it happens, negotiates with confidence, and builds supplier relationships that deliver results? Do you thrive on creating clarity, consistency, and control? If you’re ready to step into a strategic role in procurement, keep reading.
We’re looking for a Procurement Specialist to take ownership of our end-to-end procurement function. You will report directly to the Supply Chain Manager and lead purchasing operations across materials, chemicals, equipment, and services while managing and developing a Purchasing Coordinator.
This role is for someone who enjoys accountability, thrives on improving systems, and understands how smart procurement impacts profitability, operations, and growth.
What’s in it for me?
- 37.5 hours per week (Monday–Friday)
- Hybrid working after passing your 6 months probationary period
- 22 days holiday + bank holidays, plus an extra day for your birthday after 2 years’ service
- Private medical care or alternative cash plan after 2 years’ service
- Enhanced sick, maternity & paternity leave
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee discount scheme — save up to £240 per month on food & groceries
- Core Values Champions Rewards — quarterly peer-nominated vouchers
- Annual development & review process — because progression matters
What will I be doing?
- Leading and developing the Purchasing Coordinator — setting priorities, coaching performance, and raising standards
- Owning supplier onboarding, compliance, insurance, and preferred supplier management
- Negotiating pricing, terms, and service level agreements
- Reviewing and consolidating suppliers to improve cost control and reliability
- Overseeing purchase orders, goods receipting, and supplier delivery performance
- Managing stock, assets, registers, and lifecycle control
- Supporting job costing and profitability through smart purchasing decisions
- Identifying and delivering measurable cost-saving initiatives
- Improving processes to reduce reactive and emergency purchasing
- Ensuring procurement activities meet audit and internal control requirements
You’ll have the autonomy to improve purchasing processes, influence supplier strategy, and the backing of a business that values long-term thinking over short-term fixes. We invest in our people, listen to ideas, and reward contribution.
What do I need to be successful?
- Strong experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain leadership
- Confidence in managing suppliers, negotiations, and commercial agreements
- Experience leading or mentoring others
- Understanding of stock, asset control, and purchasing processes
- Organised, detail-driven, and commercially minded
- Ability to balance day-to-day purchasing with longer-term improvements
- Clear communication with operations, account managers, and suppliers
What next?
SMS is currently reviewing our processes, creating an opportunity for the right candidate to shape how we work. This Procurement Specialist role offers real ownership and influence, where your decisions will support operational efficiency and business performance. Strong contributions are recognised, and you’ll be encouraged to drive continuous improvement across procurement activities.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 22nd February. We encourage early applications, as we will review them as received and may interview before the closing date. Interviews will be held face to face in our Harwell office. Apply now and take control of procurement the right way.
Procurement Specialist in Harwell employer: SMS Environmental Ltd
Contact Detail:
SMS Environmental Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Show them you understand their needs and how you can bring value to their team. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’re the right fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Specialist. Highlight your experience in purchasing, supplier management, and any cost-saving initiatives you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your skills align with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience in leading teams and improving processes — we love that stuff!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you negotiate a great deal or streamline a process? Quantify your successes to show us the impact you've made in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at SMS Environmental Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge before the interview. Understand the latest trends in supply chain management, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a Purchasing Coordinator, be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored or developed others. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in team performance or project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific procurement challenges. Think about situations where you've had to make tough decisions or implement cost-saving initiatives, and be ready to explain your thought process and the results.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in procurement. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like supplier negotiations or compliance. Remember, confidence can make a big difference in how your ideas are received.
