Import Purchasing Coordinator - #147567

Join SMI as an Import Purchasing Coordinator! Play a key role in handling global purchasing, supporting smooth product supply, and collaborating with a passionate team in our Petersfield head office.

Our Procurement Team is growing, and we are seeking a new Import Purchasing Coordinator to coordinate import buying and maintain supply chain efficiency.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity based at our modern Petersfield head office.

What will I be doing?

As an Import Purchasing Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day purchasing and import activities for all product lines within your assigned category with a focus on overseas manufacturers. You will oversee the end-to-end buying process, from placing purchase orders with international suppliers through to coordinating inbound shipments and ensuring timely deliveries.

Your duties will include:

1. Import Purchasing & Order Management

• Review and manage forecasts (e.g. SlimStock) for import products
• Place, amend, and track purchase orders with overseas suppliers
• Obtain and file signed purchase contracts and confirmations
• Manage substitute and gap-fill orders from UK suppliers when required

2. Supplier & Freight Coordination

• Communicate booking details and schedules between suppliers and freight forwarders
• Expedite shipments and resolve delivery delays or discrepancies
• Oversee inbound shipment creation and tracking
• Maintain accurate data on the Import Freight Tracker (Smartsheet)
• Communicate booking details and schedules between suppliers and freight forwarders, ensuring the best rate is negotiated.

3. Customs Compliance & Documentation

• Check and review customs entries for compliance and accuracy
• Oversee commodity code validation and import documentation
• Sign, file, and process freight and customs paperwork
• Ensure all certifications and compliance documents are accurately maintained

4. Inventory & Stock Forecast Accuracy

• Maintaining optimum stock levels for import products and maintaining good stock turns
• Ensure PO expected receipt dates and delivery info (XFDs) are accurate
• Notify relevant teams of delays or changes to delivery timelines
• Communicate inbound quantities to Operations and advise of any updates or changes

5. System & Data Management

• Update procurement and freight tracking systems (e.g. Smartsheet, NetSuite)
• Export backup files weekly to ensure data integrity
• Input departmental metrics into central performance trackers
• Data support and query resolution for finance as and when required
• Help with data analysis for the Category Managers on the Import category (ie lead time analysis and sales vs forecast)
• Barcode creation and maintaining product codes in the ERP (NetSuite)

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Issue Resolution

• Maintain strong communication with Procurement, Operations, and Customer Experience teams
• Flag and track supplier performance issues with the Category Manager
• Contribute to team meetings with process improvement suggestions
• Support recurring and ad-hoc category-specific tasks as assigned

What do I need?

To become an Import Purchasing Coordinator at SMI, you will need the following skills:

• Highly organised and self-motivated
• Decisive and able to act quickly under pressure
• Strong attention to process and detail
• Customer-focused with an understanding of supply chain impact
• Confident negotiator with a commercial mindset
• Always seeks smarter, more cost-effective buying solutions
• Positive, proactive, and adaptable
• Able to work independently and cross-functionally with other teams
• Desirable: Intermediate Excel skills (e.g. formulas, pivot tables)

Why join SMI?

SMI is an employee-focused company with a strong family-run history. We understand that our massive success is all thanks to our staff, who demonstrate our values in everything they do. We put our staff at the forefront of our business, giving them autonomy and recognition to create meaningful and lasting careers in a fun and progressive environment.

By joining SMI, you will receive:

• A salary of £31,000
• Entry into our Growth by Sharing bonus scheme following probation
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after 3 years of service
• Perks and wellbeing activities, including our Values Champion Nomination Scheme, EAP scheme, and regular company events
• 1 day WFH each week
• 4PM finish every Friday

How do I apply?

To become an Import Purchasing Coordinator with SMI, simply hit "Click Apply" and send us your CV. If you have any questions about the role, please feel free to get in touch with the Team at [email protected]

ABOUT SMI

SMI is a thriving family-owned business providing comprehensive solutions in Workwear, PPE, Cleaning & Hygiene, Workplace Products, and Tools & Equipment. We specialise in four key sectors: Waste & Environmental, Public Sector, Logistics, and Facilities Management, supported by a nationwide network and a dedicated team.

Founded in: 1981

Co-workers: 170+