Product Specialist

Company Description

Wavenet is a managed services provider offering cybersecurity, communications, and connectivity that grows with our customers’ businesses – no matter what the future holds.

Since 2000, we’ve been keeping businesses connected.

At Wavenet, we don’t just provide solutions for today but for tomorrow, too. We’re always thinking ahead of the technology curve, so our customers feel confident that when they work with us, we’re striving to make their business future-proof.

Customer success is our success. We go the extra mile in providing superior service quality and unparalleled customer experience, becoming an extension of your business, and always delivering on our promise to make their business brilliant.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Product Specialist in Procurement focuses on sourcing, evaluating, and buying the right products to meet organisational needs. This role involves deep product knowledge, market analysis, and ensuring that purchasing decisions align with business goals, budgets, operational requirements, and sustainability objectives. The role plays a critical part in driving organisational efficiency, value, and success.

What you will be doing

• Researching and analysing market trends to identify the best products and opportunities for cost-effective purchasing.
• Sourcing and selecting products that meet organisational specifications and quality requirements.
• Preparing and executing purchase orders, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Analysing product pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules to optimise procurement planning.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to forecast demand and align buying strategies with operational needs.
• Supporting other business areas by understanding their purchasing requirements and assisting with product selection and procurement processes.
• Monitoring stock levels and replenishment cycles to avoid shortages or overstock.
• Reviewing supplier catalogues, product details, and alternatives to ensure the best value for money.
• Supporting sustainability objectives by sourcing products that meet environmental and ethical standards.
• Using procurement tools and systems to track purchases, analyse costs, and maintain records.
• Generating regular reports on buying activities, cost savings, and performance metrics

What you need to have done already

• Proven experience in a procurement or buying role with a focus on product sourcing.
• Evaluate and interpret financial data (including value for money) in order to successfully complete the procurement process on time, in line with customer requirements and fit for purpose.
• Use procurement systems to communicate and present procurement information to colleagues and customers.
• An awareness of the objectives of customers, stakeholders and partners and reflect them within procurement requirements and contracts.
• Handle and clearly present numerical information, particularly in relation to the procurement process, in order to identify and adapt quickly to emerging priorities.
• Demonstrable ability to analyse product offerings and make cost-effective purchasing decisions.
• Hands-on experience managing purchase orders, inventory levels, and procurement data.
• Familiarity with procurement systems and processes, including budgeting and reporting.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and their application in buying activities
• Work flexibly with suppliers/customers/stakeholders, bringing procurement expertise to and making links between a range of areas simultaneously.
• Establish key relationships within the wider Daisy organization relative to the role.
• Build and maintain appropriate relationships with suppliers, procurement and supply chain teams in order to facilitate smooth and timely engagement and achievement of strategic supplier engagement objectives

Skills you will need to excel

• Excellent communication skills to help negotiations and ensure that expectations are clear
• Relationship building and networking skills
• An understanding of supply chain management
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of spreadsheets, presentation software and other stock management software and systems
• Excellent attention to detail and high standards for quality control
• Great relationship management.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinking.
• Ability to adapt to change.
• Understanding of risk management.
• Understanding of and ability to enhance sustainability.
• Understanding of the market.
• Be familiar with the technology and systems.
• Good financial understanding.
• Ability to collaborate effectively.
• Ability to analyse key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Analytical
• Strategic
• Organised
• Goal-orientated
• Practical and logical.
• Hard-working.
• Responsible.

Other qualifications

• Professional Qualification in Procurement, CPIM or CIPS

Additional Information

At Wavenet, we offer more than just a job – we provide an exceptional environment and a wide range of benefits to support your success from day one. With us, you’ll enjoy a generous starting annual leave allowance, private medical coverage, discounted health plans, an eye care scheme, and comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, all backed by a dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team.

We believe in a strong work-life balance, rewarding your commitment with an additional day of annual leave each year, reaching up to 28 days. Here’s a closer look at what we offer:

• Hybrid Working: Flexibility matters. Our hybrid model lets you choose a blend of home and office-based working, so work fits seamlessly with your life.
• Annual Leave: Begin your journey with 25 days of leave, increasing by one day per year up to 28 days – our way of saying thank you for your dedication.
• Health & Wellbeing: Your wellbeing is a priority. Enjoy private medical coverage, discounted health plans, virtual GP access, an eye care scheme, and a comprehensive employee assistance programme, all supported by our internal Wellbeing Team.

Ready to join the UK’s largest managed service provider? 

Apply today or contact our friendly Talent Acquisition Team for more information.