Procurement Improvement & Analytics Specialist

Job Title: Procurement Improvement & Analytics Specialist
Location: Aberdeen
Contract Type: PAYE – until end of 2027UK RIGHT TO WORK REQUIRED
 
Purpose of Role:

•    Lead procurement improvement by identifying root causes, analysing performance and turning insight into practical, sustainable solutions.
•    Develop, standardise and maintain procurement processes, procedures, work instructions and user guidance to improve compliance, efficiency and the user experience.
•    Provide insight, coaching and systems support to Procurement and business stakeholders, while maintaining the capability to provide operational buying cover during holidays, vacancies and periods of peak demand.
 
Description:

Improvement and analysis
•    Lead structured problem-solving across procurement, using root-cause analysis to resolve recurring issues and prevent rework.
•    Analyse procurement data, trends and process performance to identify risks, bottlenecks, control gaps and opportunities to improve cost, value and service.
•    Create and maintain clear dashboards, reports and management information that translate complex data into concise insights and recommended actions.
•    Define baselines, measures and benefit-tracking arrangements to demonstrate improvements in efficiency, compliance, cycle time, quality and value.

Process design and governance
•    Map current processes, design improved future-state processes and coordinate implementation with Procurement, Finance, Materials Management, SAP and other stakeholders.
•    Develop and govern procurement procedures, process maps, work instructions, templates, training materials and user guides.

Change, engagement and capability
•    Facilitate workshops, constructively challenge existing ways of working and build cross-functional agreement on practical solutions.
•    Support implementation through stakeholder engagement, communications, training, adoption monitoring and post-implementation review.
•    Coach buyers and stakeholders, share lessons learned and promote consistent application of procurement standards.
•    Build productive relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to secure timely information, resolve issues and embed continuous improvement.

Operational support
•    Provide operational buying cover when required, including reviewing requisitions, sourcing and evaluating quotations, creating and amending purchase orders, expediting deliveries, resolving invoice queries and communicating supply risks.
 
Requirements:

Qualifications
•    Preferred: Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent extensive and demonstrable experience in procurement and process improvement.
•    Preferred: MCIPS, or evidence of working towards MCIPS.
•    Advantageous: A recognised qualification in continuous improvement, business analysis or data analysis.

Experience
•    Significant procurement experience, with a strong understanding of operational buying, sourcing, purchase orders, expediting and procurement controls.
•    A proven record of delivering process-improvement, problem-solving or change initiatives in a complex, cross-functional environment.
•    Strong experience of procurement systems and data, ideally including SAP, Maximo and Ariba, with evidence of producing actionable analysis and reporting.
•    Experience of creating and embedding procedures, process maps, work instructions, user guides and training materials.
•    Preferred: Experience in the upstream energy sector or another regulated, asset-intensive industry.

Skills and capabilities
•    Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure ambiguous issues, test evidence and recommend proportionate solutions.
•    Advanced Excel skills and strong data-visualisation and reporting capability; experience of Power BI or similar tools is advantageous.
•    Strong process-mapping, documentation and technical-writing skills, with a focus on clear, accessible guidance.
•    Ability to facilitate workshops, manage improvement actions and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
•    Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to present complex analysis and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
•    Strong commercial judgement, attention to detail and prioritisation, with the flexibility to move between improvement activity and operational buying cover.
•    A collaborative, constructive approach, with the confidence to challenge established practices and support the adoption of new ways of working.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed