Indirect Procurement Specialist

About us

Sunswap is a clean-tech innovator, pioneering the world’s first fully electric, battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) — a true zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered systems. Our mission is to decarbonise the global cold chain, delivering sustainable solutions for the transport and logistics industry.

Since our founding in 2020, we have grown rapidly and secured key partnerships with industry leaders like Tesco and DFDS to bring our cutting-edge refrigeration technology to market. In 2024, we secured a £17.3 million investment to accelerate our mission and scale our impact.

Our achievements have earned significant recognition, including the 2024 Technological Breakthrough Award from the Cold Chain Federation and a place in The Sunday Times Best Companies 2024 list, celebrating our outstanding workplace culture. At Sunswap, we are united by a shared vision of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, where every team member is empowered to make a meaningful impact.

Job overview

The Indirect Procurement Specialist will support the building out of a robust supply chain as we scale. You will be responsible for sourcing and managing non-production goods and services critical to the smooth operation of manufacturing and production. This includes procurement of items such as MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) supplies, IT services & equipment, marketing materials/services, transportation services, utilities, facility management, third-party logistics (3PL) services and other support services.

The role focuses on cost optimisation, supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. You will play a key role in supporting our procurement activities, with a strong focus on operational tasks to ensure smooth coordination across the supply chain. Your contribution will help keep operations efficient and responsive in a dynamic environment. The role is a great opportunity to be part of building a high-growth business where every day pushes your boundaries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Source, negotiate, and manage contracts for indirect categories.
• Ensure that tactical and operational supply chain activities for all indirect categories are effectively managed and executed on time.
• Identify new suppliers to source the best products in terms of value, delivery schedules, sustainable practice and quality.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising operational reliability or quality standards.
• Develop, improve and manage procurement processes to support business and supply chain function development.
• Manage vendor performance, track KPIs (delivery reliability, cost adherence, etc.), and initiate corrective actions where needed.
• Collaborate with internal departments (engineering, logistics, production, aftermarket) to understand procurement needs and develop specifications.
• Monitor market trends and supplier innovations in cold chain logistics and recommend improvements.
• Maintain procurement records and ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards
• Analyse spend data, produce statistics and identify costs and saving opportunities.
• Demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset and optimise procurement operations for efficiency.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to ensure favourable agreements.
• Support other areas of the business when required.

You are:

• A creative problem solver – you find enjoyment in finding solutions to complex issues.
• Not dependent on process – you are comfortable with doing things differently and ready to challenge us to do the same.
• Comfortable working autonomously – juggling multiple projects and activities at once.
• An effective communicator – keen to share your opinions and ideas whilst building on others’.
• Customer centric – you see the bigger picture of what we are trying to achieve
• A pragmatist – you understand the trade-offs between commercial and technical supply chain decisions.

You have:

• Key understanding and experience within an indirect/category management role.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Commercial and financial awareness including strong analytical abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel to meet with suppliers as required.
• Experience with an industry standard ERP system.
• Experience of detailed quotation analysis and developing / challenging pricing with suppliers where appropriate.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to simplify complex data.
• 5 years of experience in a purchasing/procurement role.

Bonus points if you have:

• Experience developing ERP processes.
• MCIPS or studying towards.
• Broad experience within manufacturing – preferably in the automotive industry.
• Understanding of key cost drivers in manufacturing processes.
• Indirect procurement experience.

Our benefits

• 30 days of annual leave (includes a Wellbeing Day)
• Sabbatical (after 3 years of working with Sunswap)
• 5% matched employer pension
• 5 free counselling sessions per year
• Family leave ranging from 4 weeks to 4 months
• Free Monthly Lunches & Quarterly Socials!
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free Sunswap merch