Procurement Specialist

Permanent

Harwell, Oxfordshire: £37,500 - £41,000

Hybrid Working*

Are you the kind of procurement professional who sees waste before it happens, negotiates with confidence, and builds supplier relationships that actually deliver results?

Do you thrive on building better systems - creating clarity, consistency, and control where others see complexity?

If you're ready to step into a role where purchasing isn't just transactional - it's strategic - keep reading.

We're looking for a Procurement Specialist to take ownership of our end-to-end procurement function. Reporting directly to the Supply Chain Manager, you'll lead purchasing operations across materials, chemicals, equipment, and services - while directly managing and developing a Purchasing Coordinator.

This is a role for someone who enjoys accountability, thrives on improving systems, and understands how smart procurement directly impacts profitability, operations, and growth.

What's in it for me?

We believe great people deserve great support. Here's what you'll get:

• 37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
• Hybrid working* after passing your 6 months probationary period
• 22 days holiday + bank holidays, plus an extra day for your birthday after 2 years' service
• Private medical care or alternative cash plan after 2 years' service
• Enhanced sick, maternity & paternity leave
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee discount scheme - save up to £240 per month on food & groceries
• Core Values Champions Rewards - quarterly peer-nominated vouchers
• Annual development & review process - because progression matters

What will I be doing?

You'll be the driving force behind a well-run, commercially focused purchasing function. That means:

• Leading and developing the Purchasing Coordinator - setting priorities, coaching performance, and raising standards
• Owning supplier onboarding, compliance, insurance, and preferred supplier management
• Negotiating pricing, terms, and service level agreements that actually make a difference
• Reviewing and consolidating suppliers to improve cost control and reliability
• Overseeing purchase orders, goods receipting, and supplier delivery performance
• Managing stock, assets, registers, and lifecycle control
• Supporting job costing and profitability through smart purchasing decisions
• Identifying and delivering real, measurable cost-saving initiatives
• Improving processes to reduce reactive and emergency purchasing
• Ensuring procurement activities meet audit and internal control requirements

You'll have the autonomy to improve how purchasing works, the influence to shape supplier strategy, and the backing of a business that values long-term thinking over short-term fixes.

We invest in our people, listen to ideas, and reward contribution - not just tenure.

What do I need to be successful?

You'll succeed here if you:

• Have strong experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain leadership
• Are confident managing suppliers, negotiations, and commercial agreements
• Have experience leading or mentoring others
• Understand stock, asset control, and purchasing processes inside-out
• Are organised, detail-driven, and commercially minded
• Can balance day-to-day purchasing with longer-term improvements
• Communicate clearly with operations, account managers, and suppliers

What next?

SMS is currently undertaking a business-wide review of our processes, creating an opportunity for the right candidate to play an active role in shaping how we work.

This Procurement Specialist role offers real ownership and influence, where your decisions will directly support operational efficiency and business performance. Strong contribution and results are recognised, and you'll be encouraged to drive continuous improvement across procurement activities.

Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 22nd February.
We encourage early applications, as we will review applications as they are received and may interview before the closing date.

Interviews will be held face to face in our Harwell office.

Apply now and take control of procurement the right way.