Purchasing Specialist - Projects

Crucible Zinc is a growth-oriented metals manufacturing company focused on producing high-quality zinc products through safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible processes. We are committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship of our people and resources. Our team-driven culture emphasizes safety, integrity, and collaboration while investing in innovation and employee development. At Crucible Zinc, employees play a vital role in supporting reliable operations and delivering value to our customers and communities.

Overview of the role

The Purchasing Specialist – Projects is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement process for project-specific needs. This role requires a keen understanding of project requirements, timelines, and budget constraints. The successful candidate will source high-quality goods and services, negotiate contracts, and coordinate with project teams to ensure timely delivery—helping to drive project success and overall organizational efficiency.

Key Accountabilities

 Project Procurement & Coordination: 
  - Collaborate with project managers to understand detailed project specifications and timelines. 
  - Plan and execute procurement strategies tailored to each project. 
  - Ensure that ordered goods and services adhere to project quality, quantity, and delivery requirements.

Vendor Management:
  - Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with qualified suppliers. 
  - Negotiate pricing and contracting terms to secure competitive rates without compromising quality. 
  - Monitor vendor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and continuous improvement in service.

Purchasing Process & Documentation:
  - Create, process, and manage purchase orders in accordance with company policies. 
  - Maintain accurate records, including contracts, negotiations, and order status updates. 
  - Coordinate with finance and inventory teams to ensure accurate accounting and stock management.

Market & Cost Analysis:
  - Analyze market trends, industry benchmarks, and potential supply risks. 
  - Leverage market intelligence to propose cost-saving strategies and enhance procurement outcomes. 
  - Forecast inventory needs based on project phases and adjust purchasing plans accordingly.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement:
  - Ensure all procurement activities meet internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards. 
  - Identify opportunities to streamline procurement operations and implement best practices to boost efficiency.

Measures and reports KPI’s:

• Runs the queries, needed to obtain scores on the KPI’s.
• Presents results in a fixed (visual) format.
• Reports results to management and internal departments
• Makes suggestions for improvements in terms of the management program, ISO procedures and general purchasing operational conditions.

Qualifications/Experience
 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related fields.
• Must be in a similar role for 3+ years’ experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles, ideally with a focus on project-driven environments.
• Must fluently speak and write English.

Competencies

Technical Skills: 
-Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa, SAP Ariba).
-Strong analytical abilities and experience in using data analysis tools (e.g., Excel).

Soft Skills:
  - Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  - Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams under tight project deadlines.
  - Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Attributes 
- Certifications in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., Certified Purchasing Specialist, CPSM) are a plus. 
- Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools. 
- Demonstrated success in managing complex and high-value projects.

General Competencies

• Effectively maintain a clean and organized work environment
  • Operates in an orderly, efficiently manner with the ability to prioritize
• Motivated, flexible, and reliable
  • Ability to problem solve and work under pressure
  • Good analytical skills
  • Good organizational and communication skills
  • Knowledge of relevant production processes
• Ability to use initiative and pre-empt needs
• Innovative and creative in dealing with complex issues.
• Ability to drive changes

Additional Information: 

In this role, you’ll be expected not only to maintain cost-effective purchasing practices but also to drive improvements in procurement processes. As a key contributor in ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget, your ability to balance quality with a deep understanding of project dynamics is crucial. This role demands a proactive mindset toward identifying risk, leveraging market insights, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across procurement practices.

Based on current best practices and job guidelines from the industry, a Purchasing Specialist focused on projects must excel at both strategic planning and day-to-day operational details. This comprehensive approach ensures that every project has the necessary materials and resources to succeed, paving the way for overall business growth.