Job Description

The Business

The Seetru Organisation (Seetru Limited and LESER UK Limited) is a fast-growing mechanical engineering manufacturing business. Growth is based on product innovation and strategic sales and marketing development programmes worldwide. Seetru have a long and stable 75-year history of high quality and innovative products and services, with a strong people culture. The operation is fully integrated from R&D, international product approval, manufacturing production and assembly, sales and marketing, to full lifecycle support (via our Test and Maintenance Services division). In recent years the business has been undergoing an accelerating series of transformative changes including investment in new management structures and processes, new facilities and plant, a new ERP system and a torrent of new products: the business is now capitalising on this on-going investment programme and is achieving substantial rates of growth.

The Position

The Strategic Purchasing Specialist will work alongside the Purchasing Manager and be responsible for the development and execution of purchasing strategies to support the company's growth and operational efficiency. The position requires a strategic thinker who can work collaboratively with management and other departments to ensure that procurement activities align with the company's objectives. This role is crucial for further developing strong supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, identifying and realising cost-saving opportunities.

The Role

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement purchasing strategies that align with the Company's goals and objectives, focusing on engineering and manufacturing needs.

Supplier Management:

Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with suppliers who provide high-quality materials and components for manufacturing.

Technical Expertise:

Engineering and technical knowledge will be an advantage to understand product specifications and ensure that purchased materials meet quality and performance standards, but there will be close collaboration with Production Engineering to support commercial needs as necessary.

Market Analysis:

Conduct market research to stay updated on industry trends, pricing, and best practices predominantly with respect to engineering and manufacturing.

Contract Negotiation:

Develop and negotiate existing and new contracts and terms with suppliers, considering technical requirements and ensuring favourable terms and conditions, with a view to continually enhancing the Companies working capital position

Cost Management:

Develop, monitor and analyse purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities for purchased and subcontracted goods, including collaboration with Planning, Production Engineering and Materials to influence production and logistics methodologies to develop the strongest Purchasing position.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality and Compliance teams to understand their procurement needs and provide support in achieving their objectives.

Process Improvement:

Lead initiatives to enhance procurement processes and systems, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness improvement becomes a perpetual goal.

Compliance:

Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations in all purchasing activities.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

Track and assess supplier performance, addressing any issues related to quality, delivery, or cost.

Departmental Support:

Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager to support the overall management of the purchasing department.

Skill Development:

Mentor and support team members in enhancing their skills and competencies.

Continuity Planning:

Assist in the development of a continuity plan to ensure robustness and scalability within the department.

Metric Development:

Develop departmental metrics to measure performance and success, working closely with developers to visualize and monitor these metrics. Concurrently developing targets to support the development and growth strategy of the business.

The Skills and Attributes

Key Skills:

Strategic Thinking:

Ability to develop long-term plans that align with the company's goals.

Negotiation Skills:

Proficiency in negotiating contracts and terms with suppliers to achieve favourable outcomes.

Supplier Management:

Expertise in evaluating, selecting, developing and managing supplier relationships.

Data Analysis:

Ability to analyse purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies.

Contract Management:

Knowledge of legal aspects and best practices in managing contracts.

ERP Proficiency:

Familiarity with procurement tools and software to streamline processes.

Project Management:

Skills in planning, organizing, and executing procurement projects.

Key Attributes:

Analytical Mindset:

Ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.

Communication Skills:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with suppliers and internal teams.

Interpersonal Skills:

Strong relationship-building abilities to collaborate with stakeholders and suppliers.

Detail-Oriented:

Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in procurement activities and documentation.

Adaptability:

Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and market conditions.

Proactive:

Initiative to anticipate procurement needs and address challenges before they arise.

Integrity:

High ethical standards and commitment to transparency and fairness in all procurement dealings.

Team Player:

Ability to work collaboratively within a team and contribute to the company's overall success.

Additional Information on Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with the existing Purchasing Manager and team to support skill development and enhance departmental capabilities. Assist in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity within the department in preparation for future changes.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 08/08/2025
Reference ID: PurchasingOperationsPSHJuly2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025