Supply Chain Specialist

Join an engineering company that manufactures micro and nano-structures, with customers using their process solutions to research and produce materials and semiconductors vital for everything from medical devices and diagnostics, to electric cars and quantum computers.

This is a key role within the business and the Supply Chain function, ensuring that their customers receive their products on time, to budget and to the highest quality standards. You will be accountable for the entire cycle of procurement and as Buyer you will be responsible for supplier analysis, supplier management and relevant performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities:

With the Purchasing Manager, manage approved suppliers and implement the best commercial solutions for current and future parts and assemblies.
Negotiate and manage Service Level Agreements for
OTIF
Cost reduction
Inventory management programs such as Consignment, Kanban, and Vendor Managed Inventory
Lead time reduction
Minimising supply risk and inventory exposure
Optimising payment terms
Directly manage buyer or buyer(s), setting objectives and managing capacity and performance.
Management of internal performance metrics in relation to procurement processes including order placement, orderbook management, vendor returns, queries and invoices.
Working closely with the planning team, understanding changes in business needs as well as communicating material availability issues that may impact build schedules.

Responsibilities:
With Purchasing Manager (PM)
Assist Group Category Manager's (GCM) to negotiate best commercial terms for the Business Unit.
Have input into Service Level Agreements.
Work with GCM on supplier rationalisation.
Work with GCM on supplier open book pricing for configured products and higher-level assemblies.
Report on delivery and quality performance and KPI's to PM and suppliers.
Be primary point of escalation for any supplier issues, as necessary.
Hold regular key supplier reviews to discuss performance metrics.
Drive supplier improvement of delivery and quality metrics.
Communicate forecasts / plan changes to supplier.
Participate and contribute to supplier assessments (as part of cross functional team).
Manage new supplier non-disclosure agreements and new supplier questionnaires.
Work with buyers to ensure that all part details including costings and lead times are entered into the company's ERP system.
Address any purchase price variances on invoices with suppliers.
Work in accordance with the Company and Quality procedures.
Carry out any tasks that may reasonably be requested by the company.

Education / Qualifications:
Purchasing qualification by experience or education (CIPS level 4) or significant experience of working in a purchasing function.
Qualification in a technical discipline (i.e. HNC/HND or Degree).

Professional Skills/Abilites:
Able to build effective relationships.
Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
MRP fluent, ideally E1 (JD Edwards), SAP or Oracle.
Able to manage conflicting priorities and people.
Clear and concise communicator.
A track record in an engineering/production environment driven by challenging deadlines and managing changes to ensure quality and delivery objectives are achieved