Strategic Procurement Specialist

SUMMARY

To support the procurement function by sourcing and purchasing goods and services, managing supplier relationships, negotiating commercial agreements, and ensuring materials and services are obtained at the best total value while meeting quality, delivery, inventory, and compliance requirements. The role will drive supply continuity through strategic supplier partnerships, including Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs and fixed-term pricing agreements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers to meet business requirements.
• Lead RFQ, RFP, and tender activities.
• Negotiate pricing, rebates, payment terms, and service agreements.
• Establish and manage fixed-term pricing agreements to reduce cost volatility and improve budget accuracy.
• Monitor commodity and market trends to identify pricing risks and opportunities.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and value improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement activities with key suppliers.
• Resolve supplier performance issues relating to quality, service, cost, and delivery.
• Conduct regular supplier business reviews and performance assessments.
• Develop supplier scorecards and KPI reporting.
• Develop, implement, and manage Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) agreements with strategic suppliers.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to determine inventory parameters, replenishment methodologies, and service level targets.
• Ensure continuity of supply through robust supplier planning and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes through supplier collaboration and demand alignment.
• Analyse and communicate procurement, inventory, supplier, and operational performance data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and improvement actions.
• Develop and maintain ownership of key procurement and operational performance metrics, ensuring supplier and internal performance is measured, reviewed, and improved against agreed targets.
• Influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation to support decision-making, resolve supply challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide effective cross-functional leadership, working collaboratively across Supply Chain, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and Sales teams to align procurement activities with wider business objectives.