Procurement Specialist

  • Focus Resourcing
  • Reading, Oxfordshire
  • May 02, 2026
Full time Retail

Job Description

Procurement Specialist
Hybrid working: 3 in the office 2 a home
Hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

construction experience is essential

We are working with a well-established and forward-thinking business based in Reading who are looking to strengthen their procurement team with an experienced Buyer / Procurement Specialist.

This is a great opportunity to join a business that values innovation, continuous improvement, and strong supplier partnerships, while playing a key role in supporting operational delivery across multiple projects.

Your role will see you work closely with the Procurement Manager and Buyers to support end-to-end purchasing activity across both UK and international supply chains.

You will be responsible for sourcing goods and services to meet project requirements and budgets, negotiating with suppliers to secure the best possible value, and ensuring smooth delivery of materials and services to support operational needs.

You will also:

  • Manage purchasing requisitions and process purchase orders using Sage 200
  • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to drive cost savings
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships
  • Identify and onboard new suppliers and product streams to support innovation
  • Support cross-departmental communication regarding supply chain challenges
  • Work closely with Accounts to ensure timely invoice approvals and payments
  • Analyse costs and contribute to ongoing cost reduction initiatives
  • Produce purchasing reports and maintain accurate pricing data
  • Support supplier performance reviews and risk assessments
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, HS&E standards, and procurement procedures

What We Are Looking For

  • At least 3 years' experience in a procurement or buying role (construction essential)
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
  • Good commercial awareness with an understanding of cost impact on operations
  • Ability to read technical drawings
  • Confident user of Excel and Sage 200
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
  • Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Clear communication and influencing skills
  • Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
  • Full UK driving licence
  • CIPS (or working towards) would be advantageous but not essential

This is an opportunity to join a business that genuinely values procurement as a strategic function, where your input will directly impact cost savings, supplier performance, and operational success. You will be part of a supportive team with exposure to both operational and strategic procurement activity.