At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the purchasing cycle, ensuring timely deliveries and strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Vorwerk, a global leader in high-quality household products.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain efficiency and product quality.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship skills, analytical mindset, and proficiency in SAP or Excel.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Join Vorwerk’s Operations team to keep our supply chain reliable, cost-effective, and well-governed. As a Purchasing Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for sourcing the right products from trusted suppliers, setting up accurate data in our systems, and ensuring deliveries land on time. Your work underpins customer promises and working capital performance across our Thermomix and Kobold business.
What you’ll do:
- Own the end-to-end purchasing cycle: supplier/item setup, PO placement, delivery tracking, and goods receipt.
- Set up new suppliers and products in SAP ByDesign with complete, accurate master data (weights, measures, commodity codes).
- Obtain, compare, and document quotations; create a clear, auditable trail of pricing and terms.
- Create and maintain standard operating instructions to drive consistent, compliant purchasing.
- Align lead times with demand; make timely buy decisions to prevent shortages and expedite when needed.
- Place POs, monitor order status, arrange and chase deliveries, and resolve discrepancies at receipt.
- Maintain preferred supplier lists; review performance and value to keep the list current.
- Plan and execute purchasing activities to ensure continuity of supply and healthy stock levels.
- Assess and qualify suppliers for quality, reliability, compliance, capacity, and commercial fit.
- Lead supplier selection and negotiations to optimise total cost, quality, service, and working capital.
- Build strong supplier relationships; run regular performance reviews and drive continuous improvement.
- Guide purchased product selection to meet specifications and business needs.
What you bring:
- Quick to build trust; strong relationship skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Analytical and data-driven; logical decision-making with clear documentation.
- Ability to map critical paths and sequence activities to minimise lead times.
- Financial literacy; understands P&L and balance sheet impacts of purchasing choices.
- Commercial acumen; knows what drives profitability and corporate objectives.
- Broad manufacturing awareness (engineered components, large-scale processes, small-batch) or the ability to learn fast.
- Working knowledge of print industry processes and international trade/shipment practices.
- Proficient in SAP or SAP Business ByDesign; advanced Excel skills.
Where you’ll work:
- Location: Office-based role with travel as required to suppliers and Vorwerk sites.
- Reporting line: Operations Manager.
- Employment: Full-time, Permanent.
Inclusive hiring:
We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status. If you need reasonable adjustments during the application process, let us know.
Interested?
If this sounds like you, submit your CV and a short note highlighting relevant purchasing experience, systems expertise (SAP/ByD), and negotiation achievements. We’ll be in touch about next steps.
Benefits include:
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme
- and more...
Purchasing Specialist in Bracknell employer: Vorwerk UK and Ireland
Vorwerk is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and passion for food come together to drive innovative marketing initiatives. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams and develop your skills in a supportive environment, all while contributing to the success of our iconic Thermomix brand across the UK and Ireland. Join us to be part of a family-owned company that values its people and encourages meaningful engagement with both Advisors and customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Specialist in Bracknell
✨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 Vorwerk UK and Ireland.
✨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 Purchasing Specialist in Bracknell
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 Vorwerk UK and Ireland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vorwerk UK and Ireland. 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 Vorwerk UK and Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vorwerk UK and Ireland
✨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 Vorwerk UK and Ireland!
✨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 Vorwerk UK and Ireland. 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 Vorwerk UK and Ireland's culture.
