At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative sourcing from concept to product phase-out in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a global leader in manufacturing and engineering with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, BUPA healthcare, and a pension plan.
- Other info: Office-based role in Chelmsford with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in product development and supply chain strategy while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business, Engineering or related field; experience in sourcing or product development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are currently partnering with a well‑established global manufacturing and engineering organisation who are looking to appoint a Product Purchasing Specialist to join their growing Global Procurement team.
Our client operates within a highly technical, innovation‑driven environment where early supplier involvement and strategic sourcing play a critical role in product development success. They work closely with R&D, engineering and operations teams to ensure materials, components and supplier strategies are aligned from initial concept through to end‑of‑life.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong procurement or engineering background who enjoys working at the interface of product development and supply chain strategy, contributing to cost optimisation, supplier selection and time‑to‑market improvements within international projects.
In role, you will play a key role in supporting procurement activity across the full product lifecycle. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams and global stakeholders to ensure effective sourcing strategies are implemented from early development through to series production and product phase‑out. You will also contribute to supplier evaluation, cost control initiatives and procurement reporting within innovation projects.
The role is based in the Chelmsford area and is an office based role.
Key Responsibilities- Support forward sourcing activities from early concept through to end‑of‑life product phases
- Manage RFQs, supplier negotiations and award processes in alignment with category strategies
- Support cost estimation, cost control and cost optimisation activities within innovation projects
- Coordinate and implement procurement planning, scheduling and supplier engagement activities
- Involve suppliers early in the development process to support innovation and technical alignment
- Support make‑or‑buy analysis, platform concepts and standardisation initiatives
- Prepare procurement documentation in line with internal standards (e.g. risk analysis, SCM concepts)
- Maintain and update ERP master data relating to sourcing activities
- Request and track material compliance documentation from suppliers
- Provide reporting on sourcing activities, KPIs and project procurement performance
- Degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Engineering or related discipline
- Experience in international sourcing, supply chain or product development environments
- Understanding of strategic purchasing and project‑based procurement
- Exposure to forward sourcing or early‑stage procurement activity
- Experience working in project environments (ideally with R&D or engineering teams)
- Strong analytical skills with a structured and methodical approach
- Confident communication skills across technical and non‑technical stakeholders
Salary: £40,000–£45,000
Benefits: 25 days holiday, BUPA healthcare, Pension
Forward Sourcing Engineer in Maldon employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Join a leading global manufacturing and engineering organisation in the Chelmsford area, where innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our work culture. As a Product Purchasing Specialist, you will benefit from a supportive environment that fosters professional growth through cross-functional teamwork and strategic sourcing initiatives. With competitive salary packages, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and a commitment to employee development, we offer a rewarding career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in procurement and product development.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forward Sourcing Engineer in Maldon
✨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 Trades Workforce Solutions.
✨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 Forward Sourcing Engineer in Maldon
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 Trades Workforce Solutions:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Trades Workforce Solutions. 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 Trades Workforce Solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨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 Trades Workforce Solutions!
✨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 Trades Workforce Solutions. 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 Trades Workforce Solutions's culture.
