Sourcing Specialist

Location: Nailsea, UK

Working Arrangement: Office-based – no hybrid working

Contract Duration: 6 months

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced ITO Fabrication Sourcing Specialist to support the commercial and technical evaluation of supplier quotations during the bid phase.

You will work closely with Sales, Commercial Operations, Engineering, Quality, Project Management and suppliers to develop competitive sourcing strategies while ensuring quality, delivery and commercial requirements are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for fabrication-related RFQs during the Inquiry-to-Order phase.
• Develop sourcing strategies to achieve competitive pricing while maintaining technical and quality standards.
• Engage suppliers to obtain budgetary and firm quotations.
• Evaluate supplier quotations for cost, technical compliance, delivery capability and commercial terms.
• Issue and manage RFQs covering fabrication, machining, welding, coating, pressure-containing components and assembly.
• Conduct total-cost analysis, including logistics, duties and commercial terms.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, warranties and other commercial conditions.
• Identify cost-reduction and cost-avoidance opportunities through competitive bidding and alternative sourcing.
• Assess supplier capacity, technical capability, financial stability and execution risk.
• Support supplier qualification, development and performance improvement.
• Identify and mitigate sourcing risks, including capacity constraints, long-lead materials and delivery risks.
• Maintain accurate sourcing, bid and quotation documentation.
• Support supplier agreements and framework arrangements.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Legal, Quality, Sales and Project Management teams.
• Support the transition of awarded projects into project execution.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of relevant sourcing/procurement experience.
• Strong experience in fabrication supply chain, manufacturing or procurement.
• Experience supporting commercial bids, tenders, proposals or project execution.
• Good understanding of fabrication processes, including:
• Welding
• Machining
• Assembly
• Coating
• Pressure-containing equipment
• Strong supplier management and commercial negotiation experience.
• Experience evaluating supplier quotations and cost structures.
• Experience with ERP systems and sourcing/procurement tools.
• Strong analytical, commercial and financial skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Desirable

• Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or equivalent experience.
• Experience with strategic sourcing and supplier consolidation.
• Experience with should-cost analysis and market benchmarking.
• Experience managing supply-chain and supplier risks.
• Experience working in a fast-paced bid environment with multiple competing priorities.