Procurement Specialist
We are working with an exciting new start-up within the defence sector, based in Herefordshire, to recruit a technically capable and commercially astute Procurement Specialist. This is a unique opportunity to help build the procurement function from the ground up in a growing business, with responsibility for developing supplier relationships, embedding systems, and contributing to the operational infrastructure of the company. This hybrid role offers flexibility but requires a local candidate who can attend the site regularly as needed during this crucial setup phase.

What you can expect:

* Salary: circa £50k, negotiable depending on experience

* Monday to Friday, office hours with flexibility

* Hybrid working arrangement with regular onsite requirements in Herefordshire

* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays plus an extra day for your birthday

* Enhanced parental leave

* Health insurance

* A varied role within a high-growth start-up environment

* Key involvement in shaping procurement processes and vendor relationships

* Involvement in strategic purchasing to support facility setup and operational readiness

What you will be doing:

* Building and maintaining strong relationships with primary, secondary, and tertiary suppliers

* Negotiating favourable pricing, delivery terms, and service level agreements (SLAs)

* Forecasting procurement needs and monitoring stock levels

* Managing the company's contact and supplier relationship management systems

* Organising and processing purchase orders (POs) and ensuring supplier compliance

* Researching, sourcing, and purchasing tooling, furniture, and essential equipment

* Working within defined budgets and reporting on procurement spend and value

* Implementing new procurement software and integrating it with existing business systems

* Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support the operational setup and day-to-day procurement requirements

What we are looking for:

* Previous experience in a procurement or supply chain role, ideally within engineering, manufacturing, or defence

* Technically competent with various software packages and systems

* Ability to install, configure, and integrate procurement and inventory management software

* Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills

* Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to work independently in a start-up environment

* Comfortable managing multiple suppliers and handling a broad range of purchasing activities

* Budget management experience with a commercial focus on cost-effectiveness

* Located within a commutable distance of Herefordshire, with the ability to work on-site regular

Recruitment Direct are working as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy, you must be able to prove your legal right to work in the UK to apply