Category Buyer
ITM Power
Location: Sheffield
Direct Applications Only - No Agency Applicants at this time
About ITM Power
Building on more than two decades of science led research and development, ITM Power designs and manufactures pioneering PEM electrolysers that produce green hydrogen. Our technology is helping to pave the way to a cleaner economy by enabling industry and other sectors to decarbonise.
As the first hydrogen related company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange, it’s no exaggeration to say that we’re globally recognised experts in our field.
In recent years, interest in green hydrogen has increased rapidly worldwide. To help meet demand and accelerate global progress towards net-zero, we have scaled up at speed.
In 2021, we opened our cutting-edge factory at Bessemer Park, Sheffield, representing a step-change in our ambition as a business.
Why join us
Our business is entering a significant period of transition, a pivotal stage of its development to scale its business while advancing its organisational culture towards a highly focused delivery company.
You will be working with an inspiring bunch of people, who all share our desire, commitment and ambition to succeed. Our talented team of individuals display energy and enthusiasm with the ability to adapt to ever evolving business needs, encouraging each other to be the best we can. We’ve come a long way, join us to play a key role in the next step of our incredible journey!
What are we looking for
We have an opportunity for a Category Buyer to join our Procurement team. The successful applicant will have significant experience of high-level negotiation across multi-national suppliers, with extensive knowledge of supply contracts and the negotiation of them.
The role is responsible for liaising with stakeholders in the business to define and ensure successful deployment of any given category strategy whilst verifying that supplier management processes are followed and all direct/indirect materials, including contract services are provided at the lowest total cost of acquisition. You will lead supplier business reviews to support supplier relationship management and encourage supply chain improvements and cost reduction/value add dialogues. Accountable to maintain a professional, structured and organised process for the management of overall supplier performance, direct and indirect purchase orders and contract services in line with the pertinent procurement policies.
Working with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure that all inbound materials or contract services are provided Right-First Time and On Time, In Full (OTIF) and where necessary, coordinate and communicate change plans and problem resolutions. This will include creating information to feed into the supplier scorecard and performance matrix to support a zero defects culture. You will also deputise for the Category Manager when required.
Responsibilities
QUALITY
* Facilitate the selection and qualification (approval) process for new suppliers within any given product category in line with the Supplier Selection and Nomination procedure. This includes prototype and sample parts.
* Facilitate the de-selection process for any current supplier which continuously underperforms against agreed QCDR targets and/or fails to comply with the Supplier Selection and Nomination procedure.
* Ensure the supplier is aware and can provide the required documentation/material conformance certificates to complete first article inspection/PPAP where specified prior to any order being placed.
* Support the Supplier Quality Engineer where required to ensure that all underperforming suppliers have robust quality improvement plans in place and support with resolving any repeat/underperforming supplier quality issues in line with the Supplier Performance and Management procedure/Escalation Process.
* Provide feedback to suppliers of their delivered quality performance as part of supplier performance management (QCDR) reviews.
COST
* Receive bids and conduct commercial evaluation.
* Negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best commercial package for ITM and prepare recommendation for award.
* Identify cost saving opportunities using appropriate levers including but not restricted to; contract reviews, supplier benchmarking, material price benchmarking, VAVE, LEAN opportunities, etc. aligned to the category strategy.
* Support the budget planning and reporting cycle with regard to forecast savings and on-costs.
* Coordinate with suppliers to facilitate any necessary actions and initiatives to reduce supplier cost of poor quality (NRFT) and warranty cost reduction. This will include cost recovery where required.
DELIVERY
* Conduct RFI/RFQ in accordance with the Supplier Selection and Nomination procedure and in line with overall project timing plans.
* Place all PO’s in accordance with the Purchase Order and Demand procedure for prototype, sample, production materials, indirect materials and contract services in a timely manner and in line with overall project timing plans. Verifying that the supplier has the required capacity to fulfil their order obligations and highlighting to the business gaps where the lead-times do not meet business requirements.
* Adhere to the current Finance policy with respect to payment terms, exchange rates, etc.
* Liaise with Engineering and Quality to obtain all drawings, technical and quality information to support the overall Procurement process.
* Liaise with Legal regarding any necessary specific supplier contractual agreements and Terms and Conditions.
* Support the incorporation of new products by ensuring suppliers are executing agreed quality and delivery plans.
* Work with suppliers to resolve any commercial claims, invoice queries relating to schedule changes and goods receipt.
* Provide feedback to suppliers of their OTIF Delivery performance as part of supplier performance management (QCDR) reviews.
* Support the Expeditor role with resolving any repeat/underperforming supplier delivery or capacity issues in line with the Supplier Performance and Management procedure/Escalation Process.
RISK
* Facilitate supplier prospecting and investigate potential new suppliers in line with category strategy requirements.
* For each product category, develop a robust sourcing strategy in accordance with the overall Category Strategy procedure.
* Review supplier performance using agreed KPI’s and ‘position’ each supplier within an agreed 4-box matrix.
* Ensure each supplier complies with all necessary ITM Power policies and conduct periodic reassessments; conformance to ISO9001:2015 quality management system, conformance to ISO14001:2015 environmental management system, conflict minerals statements, Supplier Code of Conduct and ESG requirements, Supplier Manual, Warranty Procedure, Credit Safe Financial risk and Capacity Analysis.
* Facilitate the deployment of sustainable packaging solutions in line with current procurement and supply chain strategy.
* Facilitate the supplier management and improvement process through the use of agreed key performance indicators, regular supplier reviews and communication on all QCDR performance criteria, etc.
* Participate in the continuous improvement of purchasing tools and procedures.
About You
Knowledge and Experience
* Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Materials Management or Business Finance with significant experience in procurement, materials management, supplier cost analysis or supply chain management with an Engineering or Business background.
* CIPS/MCIPS or IoSCM qualification is preferable.
* Qualifications in areas such as Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, Logistics are desirable.
* Finding and introducing new suppliers into the commodities and businesses which you have worked within including global sourcing knowledge, leading and managing large/complex RFQ packages for multiple facilities, across a global supply base, ideally within the energy equipment sector, Aerospace or Automotive.
* Experience of working closely with other functions such as quality, engineering and manufacturing engineering, to support the first part approval and qualification of new parts.
* Experience working with external suppliers who have design accountability and responsibility, working closely with them on product design, qualification, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
* Demonstrable experience working with suppliers to address poor performance and/or maintain acceptable levels of performance, pulling on previous internal capabilities and expertise.
* Significant experience of high-level negotiation across multi-national suppliers with the capability to adapt your approach from collaborative to leverage based on the executable choices in front of you.
* Experienced in working with suppliers (open and closed) to improve the overall cost position of the items which you were purchasing. Experience in running cost reduction programmes (DFM, Lean).
* Strong experience of leading the negotiation with external suppliers on complex Supply Agreements (Contracts), with some level of redraft of clause.
* Experience of being the ‘go-to’ person for procurement support and engagement on New Product Introduction, ensuring robust supplier selection, to support challenging timelines and cost targets.
* Experienced and comfortable in leading and completing challenging resolution of complex claims with external suppliers.
* Experience in developing complex commodity sourcing strategies and supplier strategies.
* IT literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, MRP/ERP, etc.
Skills and Abilities
* Proactive mindset, takes a thorough and methodical approach.
* Strong interpersonal / communication / negotiation skills, contracting with external suppliers (large and small) and works with tenacity.
* Can operate effectively as part of a matrix team and is also comfortable and capable of self-direction.
* Strong problem-solving skills, a desire to succeed and influential dexterity.
* Demonstrates accountability and a sense of urgency when required.
* Diligent and organised with a strong attention to detail.
* A team player with a flexible approach.
* Adept at priority setting.
* Commercially competent.
What can we offer you
Our competitive salary package includes an excellent contributory pension, 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays and a wider range of benefits including:
* Buy as you earn (BAYE) share scheme.
* Birthday holiday.
* Holiday Purchase.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Lifestyle Discounts.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Health Cash Plan.
* Eye Care.
* Gym Scheme.
* Life assurance.
* EV Car Leasing.
* Enhanced Parental Leave.
* Motor Save Scheme.
* Tech Save Scheme.
* Onsite parking including free electric car charging points.
We know your career is important to you, it’s important to us too, which is why we also offer opportunities for you to grow and develop your career. If you are looking to join a growing, dynamic business and want to be part of our amazing team we would love to hear from you.
Our success is driven by the exceptional diversity of our people. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting and creating a diverse and inclusive environment where we encourage our employees to learn and grow, fuelled by mutual respect in a place where ideas flow and thrive.
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