The Role
The Strategic Buyer role involves sourcing goods and services at optimal costs while ensuring quality and timely delivery. The role requires collaboration with internal teams and suppliers to develop and execute procurement strategies, manage supplier relationships, and lead cost reduction initiatives. Additionally, the position demands strong negotiation skills, compliance with company procedures, and support for lean principles to drive efficiency in supply chain management.
Who are we...
Chart Industries is a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment servicing multiple applications in the clean energy and industrial gas markets. Chart employees over 11,700 people based across 64 global manufacturing locations and 50+ service centres. Recognised for an innovative edge and expansive portfolio, Chart has a global leadership position in process technologies with products and services in applications such as hydrogen, carbon capture, energy recovery, nuclear, water treatment, mining, and LNG to name a few.
In 2023, Chart acquired Howden, a leading global engineering business. Since 1854, Howden has been at the forefront of developing engineering solutions for the needs of industrial processes. Today, Howden provide mission critical air and gas handling products to clients with our range of highly engineered compressors, blowers, fans, steam turbines and rotary heat exchangers.
The strategic combination of Howden and Chart expands our offering of products and solutions across the Nexus of Clean™ -- clean power, clean water, clean food and clean industrials. Together we are advancing a more sustainable future, by helping our customers to increase their environmental & functional efficiencies and decarbonise their operations. We have a strong corporate identity and a clear purpose - you will be a member of our team shaping the future of the company and participating in helping our customers tackle some of the planet's most pressing issues.
What will you do...
* Working with the Category Managers, develop and execute the sourcing strategy for HCO to maximize the value of procured services and products. Providing key business requirements, data and feedback in the supplier selection process
* Ensure all major purchase orders are placed with “approved suppliers” to achieve the best possible commercial terms on costs, progress payments and payment terms while ensuring the full scope of supply is delivered in accordance with the contractual requirements.
* Optimise the performance of the key suppliers in dimensions including cost reduction, supplier delivery, quality performance, risk mitigation, commodity economics, working capital improvement, and contract compliance
* To comply with all HCO Health & Safety guidelines and promote a safe working environment for Howden employees, clients and suppliers.
* Work as part of a combined commercial, technical & quality team to assess new suppliers for capability to manufacture products required at competitive rates, to the required quality requirements and within the required lead-time.
* Assist HCO Sales & Proposals in the preparation of budget costs and delivery leadtimes to support advanced procurement.
* Negotiating and agreeing supplier framework / cost agreements.
* Using negotiation, influencing techniques and effective communication to establish partnerships with new or existing suppliers and customers to ensure positive results.
* Ensure compliance with company financial audit and record procedures by maintaining accurate and up to date documentation.
* Lead cost reduction projects and achieve savings targets by continually reviewing costs with suppliers
* Support Lean principles by optimising efficiencies through reduction of costs & improvement of quality and delivery.
* Develop and implement the relevant value stream component supply base for is the right-fit through consolidation and rationalisation of the number of suppliers
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with key partners and suppliers
What do you bring...
An ideal candidate would likely have the following experience:
* Relevant experience in sourcing
* Experience in negotiating supplier agreements
* Good team player
* Strong inter-personal skills
* Pragmatic, no-nonsense approach
* Good communication skills, written and verbal
* Ability to multi-task and prioritise work
* Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics AX or similar ERP systems
* Competent in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Project & Power Point
We’ve put together some criteria that we think is important for this role, but don’t worry if your experience and expertise isn’t an exact match. If you feel that you can add value to our role and to Howden more broadly, we would welcome your application and be eager to learn more about you.
Our benefits...
This is a permanent position based at our HQ in Renfrew, including an early finish on Friday. Our range of fantastic benefits includes:
* A flexible, hybrid working environment
* Generous holiday entitlement package totalling 33 days annual leave
* Howden Pension Plan with a maximum employer contribution of 7% with Scottish Widows
* Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, shared parental and adoption leave pay
* Free onsite parking
* Healthcare cash plan with Healthshield
* Group Life Assurance plan at 3x salary
* Group Income Protection plan
* Access to My Howden Benefits & Wellbeing Portal – Cycle2Work programme, range of discounts across various retailers, wealth of information to support health & wellbeing
* Dedicated Help@Hand Service – free counselling, physiotherapy, financial support, medical second opinion, remote GP, personal training, nutrition consultations etc
Chart is an equal opportunity employer...
The Company intention in respect of recruitment, selection and promotion is to appoint the most suitable candidate for each job regardless of that person’s race, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability.