Sourcing Specialist

Description

Sourcing Specialist

Location – Sussex based (Hybrid working – 2–3 days on-site)
Sector – Life Sciences / Biotechnology
Position – Permanent, Full-time

Our client is an established organisation within the Life Sciences sector, supplying specialist biological materials and research products to support scientific and pharmaceutical research. They are looking to recruit an experienced Sourcing Specialist to take a senior role within their sourcing team, providing operational support, technical expertise and guidance to colleagues.

The role:

• Manage the sourcing and procurement of specialist products from external suppliers, ensuring customer requirements are fulfilled efficiently and accurately.
• Oversee the full order-to-delivery process, working closely with internal departments, laboratory teams and external suppliers.
• Act as a subject matter expert within the sourcing team, providing guidance, training and mentoring to colleagues.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, availability and commercial terms to achieve best value.
• Coordinate supplier approvals and maintain accurate supplier, customer and product information across internal systems.
• Monitor stock levels, manage re-order requirements and support inventory planning.
• Review and improve existing procedures to enhance efficiency, turnaround times and service delivery.
• Support the Team Leader with team and supplier performance monitoring, KPIs and wider projects.
• Work with laboratory and quality teams to resolve product queries, arrange reworks and address non-conformances where required.

Suitable applicants:

• Previous experience in sourcing, procurement, purchasing or order processing, ideally within the Life Sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or medical industries.
• A strong understanding of supplier management, procurement processes and order fulfilment.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and coordinating complex orders or customer requirements.
• Confident negotiating with suppliers and resolving technical, commercial and availability queries.
• Experience working with internal databases, CRM or ERP systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills.
• The ability to provide guidance and support to colleagues, with previous mentoring or training experience advantageous.
• A degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Science, Procurement or Supply Chain would be beneficial, although relevant industry experience will also be considered.

The opportunity:

This is an opportunity to take on a senior position within an established sourcing function, offering more than day-to-day procurement responsibilities. You will become a key point of reference within the team, supporting colleagues, improving processes and contributing to wider operational projects.

The role offers the opportunity to develop your influence across the business while maintaining a hands-on involvement in sourcing, supplier management and customer order fulfilment.

Permanent, full-time position based in Sussex, with hybrid working of 2–3 days on-site per week.