**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. Manage the buying process, ensuring that the company obtains goods and services at the best possible prices and terms, identifying cost-saving opportunities, maintaining strong relationships with vendors, and effectively managing the full procurement cycle. Contributing also, with negotiations, market analysis, and supplier management, to the overall success and profitability of the John Crane. Responsible for ensuring that the procurement activities align with the organization's goals and objectives, while also collaborating with internal stakeholders, such as the supply chain team, finance department, and production teams, to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods and services. **Duties & Responsibilities**
- Develop and implement procurement strategies and plans in line with John Crane goals and objectives.
- Identify and evaluate potential suppliers and negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing agreements to ensure favorable terms and conditions.
- Manage and maintain relationships with existing suppliers, monitoring their performance and addressing any issues that may arise.
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, market conditions, and potential risks and opportunities.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand their requirements and provide procurement solutions that meet their needs.
- Monitor inventory levels, track deliveries, and ensure on-time delivery of goods and services.
- Evaluate supplier performance and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimize procurement processes and reduce expenses.
- Stay updated on industry trends, new products, and market conditions to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information. **Qualifications** EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE**: - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Master’s degree is considered as a plus.
- 6 years proven experience as a Buyer or in a similar procurement role, preferably with 2+ years in a senior capacity.
- Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, market trends, and supplier management.
- Proficient in using ERP systems / MRP / SAP.
- Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement.
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) are preferred.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills.
- Ability to travel for supplier visit as required.
- Fluent Italian and English required, written and spoken.A third language is considered as a plus. **Additional Information** 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.