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Purchasing Specialist

Company Description

John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission-critical flow control solutions for energy and process industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations. Our products include mechanical seals and systems, couplings, bearings, filtration systems, and predictive digital monitoring technologies. 

We have a global network of more than 200 sites in over 50 countries and employ more than 6,000 people worldwide. We partner with our customers to help them keep their operations safe, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and meet the latest environmental standards. 

John Crane is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, helping to create a safer, more efficient, productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defence, space & aerospace, and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs approximately 16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries. 

Job Description

Adhere to daily Standard Work for purchasing team members – See Key Accountabilities

Effective Supplier Management

  • Liaise with internal and external suppliers to expedite delivery where required to meet business needs
  • Act as the point of contact/liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders where required
  • Track and manage supplier delivery performance to meet JC targets and requirements

Data Management

  • Ensure new pricing and supplier data is updated in ERP system consistently, accurately, and regularly.
  • Act as a recognized system expert for SAP P2P

Duties & Responsibilities

  • PR to PO Turnaround
  • Purchase order ageing
  • MRP exception msg status
  • Purchase order acknowledgements obtained
  • PPV

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience working within a purchasing department
  • Understanding of MRP driven procurement (SAP ideally)
  • Able to read and understand technical drawings
  • Analytical skills - Good knowledge of Microsoft programs, Power BI data extraction and analysis including Excel v-lookup and pivot tables
  • Process-driven approach and “systems thinking”
  • Ability to solve problems and make improvements to process with support and in a structured way (e.g. A3), able to use data to inform decisions
  • Excellent communication and relationship management skills
  • Ability to project a positive and professional image on behalf of the organization, always promoting ethical procurement

Additional Information

With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross-business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity. 

Across our company, we recognize excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network. 

Join us for a great career with competitive compensation and benefits, while helping engineer a better future. 

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

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What You Should Know About Purchasing Specialist, Smiths Group

As a Purchasing Specialist at John Crane, a part of the Smiths Group, you'll play a vital role in ensuring that our procurement processes run smoothly and effectively. Located at our Cummins India Office Campus, you'll interact with both internal and external suppliers to expedite deliveries and meet business needs. Your expertise will be pivotal in managing supplier performance and maintaining the accuracy of our SAP P2P system. With over 5 years of experience in a purchasing department, you’ll utilize your analytical skills to interpret data and optimize processes. Being adept with Microsoft programs, especially Excel and Power BI, you'll provide informed decisions that drive improvements. You’ll also have opportunities to showcase your relationship management skills and help foster a collaborative environment where ethical procurement thrives. Join us to be part of a diverse team that supports a culture of inclusion and recognition of excellence while contributing to John Crane's mission of engineering a better future in the energy sector. If you’re ready to make an impact, this role offers not just a job, but a career filled with growth and meaningful work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Purchasing Specialist Role at Smiths Group
What are the main responsibilities of a Purchasing Specialist at John Crane?

As a Purchasing Specialist at John Crane, you'll be responsible for effective supplier management, ensuring timely communication for deliveries, tracking supplier performance to meet targets, and managing data accuracy in our ERP system. You'll also engage in the PR to PO turnaround process and address purchase order ageing to enhance operational efficiency.

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What qualifications do I need to become a Purchasing Specialist at John Crane?

To qualify for the Purchasing Specialist position at John Crane, candidates should have over 5 years of experience in procurement, ideally using MRP systems like SAP. Strong analytical skills, the ability to read technical drawings, and proficiency in Microsoft programs, including Power BI, are essential to succeed in the role.

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How does John Crane support diversity and inclusion among its Purchasing Specialists?

John Crane believes that diversity fosters innovation and success. We actively promote inclusivity through various employee resource groups, offering a supportive environment for colleagues from all backgrounds, including Veterans, Women, and underrepresented communities, which positively impacts roles like the Purchasing Specialist.

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What is the work environment like for a Purchasing Specialist at John Crane?

The work environment at John Crane encourages collaboration and growth. As a Purchasing Specialist, you’ll enjoy a dynamic setting that values professional development and ethical procurement practices. You'll engage with diverse teams and be recognized for your contributions through initiatives like the Smiths Excellence Awards.

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What opportunities for career advancement exist for a Purchasing Specialist at John Crane?

At John Crane, Purchasing Specialists have numerous opportunities for career advancement. With continuous learning and training initiatives, along with a strong emphasis on employee performance and excellence, you can move into more senior roles or specialized positions within the procurement field.

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Common Interview Questions for Purchasing Specialist
Can you describe your experience with MRP systems like SAP?

Certainly! Highlight your hands-on experience with SAP, mentioning specific functionalities you are familiar with, such as the P2P process. Discuss how those skills contributed to previous roles, emphasizing problem-solving scenarios that show your ability to manage procurement complexities effectively.

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How do you manage supplier relationships effectively?

In managing supplier relationships, I believe in clear, consistent communication and being proactive. Providing updates on expectations, negotiating terms when necessary, and ensuring feedback loops help foster trust and a successful partnership, ultimately improving procurement outcomes at John Crane.

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What methods do you use to analyze procurement data?

I utilize a combination of quantitative analysis using Excel and Power BI, focusing on key metrics like purchase order ageing and supplier performance. By structuring data analysis to inform decisions, I draw actionable insights that enhance procurement processes while aligning with business objectives.

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Can you give an example of a procurement process improvement you've implemented?

Certainly! In my previous role, I streamlined the purchase order process by implementing automated tracking systems, reducing processing times by 30%. This not only improved efficiency but also significantly enhanced supplier relationship management, showcasing my ability to drive impactful changes.

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How do you ensure compliance with ethical procurement practices?

I stay informed about industry standards and company policies. I believe in transparency and accountability, ensuring that all procurement decisions align with ethical guidelines and contribute positively to John Crane's mission, fostering a culture of integrity and respect.

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What strategies do you use to handle conflicts with suppliers?

I approach supplier conflicts with a calm and solution-oriented mindset, aiming for open communication to understand both sides. Leveraging negotiation skills often leads to mutually beneficial outcomes, which strengthens long-term supplier partnerships critical for John Crane's success.

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How do you prioritize tasks as a Purchasing Specialist?

Prioritization is key in procurement. I assess deadlines and business needs to categorize tasks, ensuring critical deliveries are prioritized. Using project management tools helps me stay organized and deliver efficiently, contributing positively to John Crane's operational goals.

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What role does teamwork play in your approach as a Purchasing Specialist?

Teamwork is essential in procurement. Collaborating with cross-functional teams helps ensure alignment on objectives. In previous roles, I worked closely with engineering and finance teams to optimize purchasing strategies, emphasizing how effective collaboration drives success at John Crane.

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How do you handle high-pressure situations in procurement?

I maintain a level-headed approach during high-pressure situations, prioritizing tasks and maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders. By focusing on solutions rather than problems, I can effectively manage stress and deliver results, keeping John Crane's operations running smoothly.

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What are your long-term career goals as a Purchasing Specialist?

Long-term, I aspire to take on leadership roles within procurement, focusing on strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. I believe that continuously learning and contributing to a company's success, like John Crane, will naturally lead to greater responsibilities and impactful opportunities.

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Founded in 1851 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, Smiths Group is a multinational technology company serving the medical technology, security and defense, industrial, energy, and aerospace markets.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 15, 2025

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