Overview
Job Title: Procurement Specialist
Company: Salt Separation Services
Location: Rochdale, on-site
Department: Procurement
Compensation: £35,000 - £40,000
Description: Salt Separation Services have been leading in desalination technology for over 35 years; specialising in the engineering, commissioning and servicing of reverse osmosis (RO) plants that provide drinkable water solutions across a variety of industries. Our systems are used in sectors including naval, oil, cruise ships, and more. We’re committed to designing reliable, high-quality RO and water filtration solutions that meet the unique demands of each industry and customer we serve. Join us on the path to simplifying access to water solutions for a broad and varied client base!
Position Summary
We are looking for an experienced Procurement Specialist to join our supply chain team and provide a professional, best‑in‑class procurement service to the business. This role operates as a subject matter expert (SME) within procurement, offering specialist knowledge, guidance, and recommendations in defined areas of expertise. You will work with a high degree of autonomy, supporting project teams, influencing commercial decisions, and leading niche initiatives while collaborating closely with wider functions across the organisation. You will play a key role in driving value for money, reducing cost of sales, improving supplier performance, managing risk, and embedding ethical, compliant, and sustainable procurement practices throughout the business.
Key Responsibilities
* Operational Procurement: Ensure value for money throughout the procurement lifecycle, maximising profit margins by reducing cost of sales.
* Benchmark existing pricing and conduct market analysis to improve purchasing leverage.
* Undertake trade and market research to identify new or improved suppliers and address supply gaps.
* Support make-versus-buy decisions through robust cost and market insight.
* Obtain multiple quotations to ensure competitiveness and informed procurement decisions.
* Lead and support supplier negotiations, including pricing, lead times, terms, and responses to supplier price increase requests.
* Confirm all purchase orders in writing and ensure accurate, timely PO entry.
* Control payment terms in line with company financial strategy and ethical payment standards.
* Supplier Management: Establish, develop, and maintain strong supplier relationships.
* Conduct supplier risk assessments, due diligence, and ensure compliance with contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.
* Act as an SME in supplier risk, total cost of ownership (TCO), and waste reduction, aligned with Lean and Six Sigma principles.
* Support the development and negotiation of supplier contracts, supply agreements, and SLAs.
* Escalate supply chain risks or issues promptly to relevant stakeholders.
* Systems, Process & Compliance: Monitor and support supplier setup and master data maintenance within the ERP system (Epicor).
* Maintain accurate procurement documentation and support invoice query resolution.
* Assist with external audits through accurate record-keeping and sample preparation.
* Document, review, and maintain procurement SOPs, ensuring they remain current and effective.
* Ensure all procurement activity complies with internal policies, ethical standards, and legal obligations.
* Promote continuous improvement, Lean working practices, and sustainability initiatives.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
* Proven experience in a procurement or supply chain role, ideally within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
* Strong commercial acumen with experience in cost management, negotiation, and supplier performance improvement.
* In-depth understanding of supplier risk, TCO, and value engineering.
* Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (experience with Epicor is advantageous).
* Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret market data and support strategic decisions.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
* High level of autonomy, with the confidence to make independent technical and commercial decisions.
* Strong knowledge of procurement compliance, ethics, and governance.
* Experience supporting audits and maintaining accurate procurement documentation.
Desirable
* Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
* Experience supporting customs clearance or international procurement.
* Contract drafting or negotiation experience.
* Ability to lead small projects or specialist initiatives within procurement.
Benefits
* Competitive employer matched pension scheme (Aviva)
* Company Bonus Scheme
* Employee Referral Scheme
* Free Employee Assistance Services; giving counselling, GP access, financial and wellbeing advice.
* Life insurance
* Income protection (after 5 yrs service)
* Early finish Friday (finishing at 1pm)
* Plenty of training and development
* Holiday buy-back
* Excellent team building, social and company events
Salt Separation Services is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued, and we encourage all candidates from all backgrounds, and are very happy to facilitate any adjustment you might need.
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