Horticultural and Sourcing Specialist

Agricultural and Farming Jobs ,
Birmingham, West Midlands
Salary: From £28,000 to £30,000 per annum

Overview

Horticultural Sourcing Specialist Reporting to - Purchasing Manager. Contact with - UK and European suppliers, and all internal departments as required. Strategy & Organisation - Develop and grow a database which identifies strategic suppliers who can deliver sustainable competitive advantage to the business. Main Duties & responsibilities: • Build and maintain good relationships with existing and new suppliers. • Continually update the knowledge base of our Purchasing, Sales & Marketing teams regarding our Suppliers current range of items and scope for future growth. • Develop and maintain catalogues of information regarding suppliers’ range of supply and prices. • Working with the Purchasing Manager source and develop communications and build relationships with possible new suppliers for supply of new and existing items. • To assist the Purchasing Manager with the supplier selection process based on price, quality, support, capacity and reliability. • Ensure robust justification for all new product additions and assist in the administration process for adding new lines. • To take a lead in the formal supplier capability assessment and performance management using robust KPI measures. • Ensure the quality and specification of all items purchased meet or exceed that agreed with the Suppliers. • Working closely with the Purchasing Manager and our supply base, continuously review and forecast market trends and identify changes which could affect margins, reporting movements to the business in a timely manner. • To work with a continuous improvement mind set engaging with other functions within the Supply Chain to deliver measurable savings that are beneficial to the company. • Support with purchasing, the negotiation and tendering process in other business areas such as In-Direct contracts, Transport and Logistics, office equipment and consumables on an ad hoc basis. • Working with the Purchasing team identify solutions and possible suppliers of short-term supply item issues. • Attend regular Demand Review meetings to report on market changes, supply variances, and possible item category changes. • Assist in all areas of the buying process as required by the Purchasing Manager. • Strive for improved efficiencies within the Purchasing process. Skills required: • Horticultural knowledge and experience essential. • Highly organised and have the ability to prioritise and allocate time effectively. • Excellent negotiation skills. • Multitasking ability. • Able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation. • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Knowledge of Demand Management tools. • Knowledge of purchasing and supply chain systems, LEAN principles of planning and MRP/ERP systems. • Commercial awareness. • Experience of Project management. • Strong numeracy and analytical skills. • Experience of using Bench marking techniques. • Skills in Cost saving and process efficiency improvements. • IT skills specifically in Excel and office. • Experience of working with KPI’s and using formal problem-solving methodology. • A self-motivated individual who can work under pressure and meet deadlines. Additional info: • Office based role, with supplier visits as required to the UK and Europe. • Office based in West Midlands. • CIPS Qualified or equivalent professional qualification/experience • A full driving licence. • Normal working hours are 8.00 - 17.00 Monday to Friday (working additional hours as necessary during peak times). • 23 days holiday plus bank holidays. Salary Package: • £28k - £30k Basic Salary (This could be slightly negotiable for an exceptional candidate) • Plus company benefits including pension. Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your horticultural and buying / sourcing experience.