Senior Procurement Officer

Central Employment is pleased to present a Senior Procurement Officer role with our Pharmaceutical client. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the procurement of indirect goods and services at the Cramlington site, ensuring the effective supply of key categories such as Lab Supplies, MRO, IFM, HR services, and Warehousing Materials. The role requires a close partnership with local stakeholders while aligning with global procurement strategies. The Senior Procurement Officer will focus on optimising supplier relationships, driving cost savings, managing risks, and supporting continuous process improvement.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and a deep understanding of procurement processes within a manufacturing environment. This role is critical in bringing world-class procurement practices to the site while ensuring compliance with global standards and adding substantial value to the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure alignment with the company's objectives, fostering continuous improvement in supply quality, cost, and service.
• Develop and implement category management strategies for assigned categories (e.g., Lab Supplies, MRO, HR, IFM).
• Lead supplier sourcing, selection, negotiations, and leverage opportunities to meet cost-saving and service-level goals.
• Manage the implementation of global procurement projects at the site level, including supplier transitions and alignment with global sourcing strategies.
• Develop and execute action plans to align with global sourcing strategies and site-specific procurement needs.
• Conduct RFIs, RFPs, and analyze results to inform sourcing decisions, while mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with procurement policies.
• Lead and participate in supplier negotiation sessions for large contracts, ensuring favourable terms are secured for the company.
• Ensure the accuracy of procurement data in SAP and that all purchasing agreements comply with master agreements and supplier contracts.
• Promote the use of operational procurement tools such as catalogue buying and e-invoicing to streamline processes.
• Continuously improve procurement processes by identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and value.
• Act as a change agent by demonstrating the added value of procurement and actively promoting diversity within the supplier base.
• Conduct data analysis on suppliers, market trends, and costs to support decision-making and risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop and execute risk management plans to safeguard the business against supply disruptions or unfavourable market conditions.
• Monitor procurement performance metrics, such as working capital targets, spend concentration, contract compliance, and savings realization.
• Collaborate with local and global stakeholders to ensure procurement activities align with site objectives and global sourcing strategies.
• Influence and obtain sponsorship from senior stakeholders by clearly communicating procurement's value proposition and aligning procurement strategies with business goals.
• Participate in Strategic Sourcing Councils (SSC) and proactively flag risks and opportunities to senior management.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, with a focus on indirect goods and services, preferably in a manufacturing or pharmaceutical environment.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, and project management.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Ariba, Coupa) and strong Excel skills.
• Demonstrated capability in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies is an advantage.
• CIPS or other relevant procurement qualifications are highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and best practices, including Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and risk management.

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