Purchasing Specialist
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 27, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 22, 2026.
Are you passionate about building strong supplier relationships and driving value through smart procurement strategies? Then join our mission to pioneer smarter water solutions that reduce energy use and improve lives.
As our new Purchasing Specialist, you'll be managing direct material purchasing activities that ensure our supply chain delivers quality, cost efficiency, and reliability across our manufacturing operations. You'll be part of a diverse, supportive and inclusive culture, that celebrates our differences and puts people first by fostering growth, well-being, and a sense of belonging.
What you will be doing
While reporting to the Global Group Purchasing organization you will also be a key part of the Supply Chain team in the plant in Sunderland. You'll create impact by optimizing the local supplier portfolio and supplier performance to directly support Grundfos's ability to deliver world-class pump solutions.
Your main responsibilities include:
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings and quality targets
- Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with production planning, quality, and engineering teams to align purchasing with operational needs
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through proactive supplier management and market analysis
- What makes you a great fit
- Above all, you're a detail-oriented procurement professional with strong negotiation skills and a proven ability to manage supplier relationships in a manufacturing environment.
We'd also imagine that you are/have:
- 3+ years of experience in purchasing or procurement, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial setting
- Strong knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, and contract negotiation
- Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and Microsoft Office tools
It's a plus if you also have:
- CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement certification
- Experience with direct materials purchasing in engineered products or pump/flow technology industries
- Familiarity with lean supply chain principles and continuous improvement methodologies
Why you'll love working here
Day to day, you can look forward to:
- A working environment built around your needs, with flexible hours, home working opportunities and parental support.
- Strong focus on well-being activities.
- Three days' additional paid leave for volunteering.
- On-demand training and structured development programmes to support your growth.
Valuing our differences helps us see possibilities where others can't. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all abilities, experiences, and backgrounds. As part of our commitment to a safe and compliant hiring process, final candidates may be required to undergo a background check, subject to applicable local laws and regulations.
Join Grundfos, apply today!