Procurement Specialist

**We’re building something powerful. Let’s build it together.** We've delivered high-performance embedded computing solutions for four decades across industries including defence, telecoms, and aerospace. **We’re proud to be experts in what we do and are looking for more brilliant people to join our team.** **The Role** The Procurement Specialist is responsible for managing the procurement of components and materials required to support manufacturing operations. This role works closely with Planning, Engineering, Operations, and Sales to ensure materials are sourced and delivered in line with production schedules, customer demand, and business objectives. The successful candidate will develop strong supplier relationships, negotiate favorable commercial terms, identify cost-saving opportunities, and help ensure continuity of supply while maintaining quality and delivery standards. **What Will I Be Delivering?Supplier Performance** - Monitor supplier on-time delivery performance and proactively manage outstanding purchase orders. - Track supplier performance using key metrics such as delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness. - Resolve supplier issues to minimize disruptions to production. - Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier performance data. **Supplier Management** - Maintain supplier documentation, including contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), compliance records, and vendor onboarding documentation. - Manage Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and supplier selection activities. - Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), payment terms, and delivery schedules. - Conduct supplier evaluations, including assessments of capability, capacity, financial stability, and overall performance. - Support strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier development activities. - Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. - Establish and monitor supplier KPIs to ensure contractual and operational performance expectations are met. **Cost Savings & Commercial Performance** - Identify and deliver measurable annual procurement cost savings through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and market analysis. - Negotiate favorable pricing, payment terms, rebates, and long-term agreements where appropriate. - Monitor market trends and material costs to support informed purchasing decisions. **Inventory & Lead Time Management** - Develop strategies to reduce supplier lead times and improve supply chain responsiveness. - Support inventory optimization through safety stock planning, supplier stocking agreements, and vendor-managed inventory (where applicable). - Collaborate with Planning to balance inventory levels while minimizing supply risk. **Product Lifecycle & Obsolescence Management** - Partner with Engineering to manage component obsolescence and end-of-life planning. - Coordinate last-time buys to avoid production interruptions. - Identify alternative components and qualified suppliers to reduce risk and improve supply continuity. - Evaluate substitute materials or components that improve cost, quality, or lead times without impacting product performance. - Reduce dependency on single-source suppliers by qualifying secondary sources for critical components. **What Do I Need to Bring?** - Experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment. - Strong supplier relationship management experience. - Experience negotiating pricing, contracts, and commercial terms. - Knowledge of inventory management and production planning concepts. - Financial and commercial awareness with the ability to evaluate total cost of ownership. - Ability to analyze market trends and develop sourcing strategies. **Technical Skills & Qualifications:** - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred, or equivalent work experience. - Professional procurement certification (such as Certified Professional i…