Data Engineer

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 pa (dependent on experience)

Full Time

Location: Colchester (hybrid)

We have an excellent opportunity in our Data and Systems Team for an ambitious Data Engineer who is looking to develop their experience to date working as part of a talented, evolving team, reporting directly to the Data and Systems Manager.

Purpose of the Role

The data engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure and systems to collect, store, process, and analyse large volumes of data efficiently. The primary goal is to ensure that data is reliable, accessible, and well-organised for business users.

Key Accountability

• Design, implement, and maintain robust and scalable database systems.

• Ensure the performance, availability, reliability, and security of SQL databases.

• Develop and optimise database queries, procedures, and applications.

• Provide comprehensive support for database related issues and improvements.

• Maintain detailed documentation of database architectures, configurations, and procedures.

Responsibilities:

Database Design and Development:

• Design, develop, and implement database schemas, tables, applications, stored procedures, functions, and triggers to support business requirements.

Performance Optimisation:

• Monitor and optimise database performance, including query tuning, indexing, and overall system performance.

Data Integration:

• Develop and maintain ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes to integrate data from various sources.

Data Quality:

• Implement and maintain data quality measures to ensure accuracy and consistency of data.

Backup and Recovery:

• Implement and manage backup and recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and availability.

Security:

• Ensure database security by implementing access controls, encryption, and other security measures.

Troubleshooting:

• Diagnose and resolve database-related issues, including performance bottlenecks, data integrity problems, and data corruption.

Upgrades and Maintenance:

• Apply database patches and upgrades to keep systems up to date.

Documentation:

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of database architectures, configurations, procedures, and development processes.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with software developers, data analysts, and IT teams to support application development, data management, and deployment.

Reporting:

• Create, support and maintain reports to support business decision-making.

General:

• Responsible for their own performance, and to support their team in, achieving all targets and job standards set out by the Data and Systems Manager.

• Adaptable and flexible in their approach to work.

• Work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.

• To be curious and always looking for a better way to perform a task, in order to improve efficiency.

• Communicative and respectful of all workers within Rapid and their working environment.

• Understand how each task within the team impacts on the overall Client / Customer Experience of Rapid and ensure that they are striving to make this the best possible experience for all concerned.

• Perform any reasonable task that is required of them by their Manager.

Why Rapid?

At Rapid we're collaborators, innovators, and partners, with a purpose of helping you become better.

As a leading distributor catering to bespoke needs in the Industrial and Education sectors across the UK, we take pride in our commitment to be the preferred choice for our customers, suppliers and our employees.

Join a great place to enjoy growth

Collaborative Can Do Culture:

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. You'll be part of a team that thrives on collective expertise and mutual support to achieve.

Opportunities for Growth:

We believe in investing in our employees' growth and development. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance to the next level, we provide ample opportunities for learning, competence development, and career advancement.

Customer-Centric Approach:

Our success is built on our commitment to exceed our customers' expectations. As a member of the Rapid family, you'll play a crucial role in delivering bespoke solutions that elicit customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Work-Life Balance:

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages to support our employees' overall well-being.

Our Values, our DNA:

At Rapid our values are lived, not laminated. You feel, hear and see them in action relentlessly. They shape our culture and make us a Great Place to Work.

Benefits

• 21 days holiday (increasing by one day per full calendar year to a maximum of 25) + statutory public holidays
• 5.5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Medicash Healthcare Cash Plan
• Rapid Rewards - Discounted shopping through Reward Gateway
• Secure complimentary parking
• Hybrid Working
• Complimentary refreshment stations
• Annual bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Buy / Sell Holiday
• Training Courses
• Staff Discount

Buyer

Salary Range: £24,552 - £27,000 pa

Full Time

Location: Colchester (hybrid)

We have an excellent opportunity in our Purchasing and Inventory Control Team for an ambitious Buyer who is looking to develop their experience to date working as part of a talented, evolving team, reporting directly to the Head of Purchasing and Inventory Control.

Purpose of the Role

Purchasing of demand in line with stock availability profiles required and managing the purchase backlog providing a consistently accurate data set of the current goods inflow, all targeted at optimising our opportunities for profitable sales growth. Also, to ensure we apply our supplier T&Cs to extract maximum value when placing orders with suppliers.

Key Accountability

Getting all orders executed in line with internal SLAs enabling consistent and continuous availability to drive sales. Managing purchase order backlog to optimise the customer experience by delivering to customer promise. Utilise fully our supplier T&Cs to extract maximum value from suppliers when placing purchase orders. Ensure all order pricing issues are fully resolved for and with Finance.

Purchase Order Management

• Creating, reviewing, and processing purchase orders accurately and in compliance with company policies, optimal demand and in line with all specification requirements.

• Apply the most current pricing and lead-times when executing purchase orders.

• Work with correctly defined and approved suppliers and sources when placing demand.

• Negotiate terms and extract additional value from suppliers whenever the negotiation opportunity arises, focussing on additional advantages around pricing, availability, stock rotations, scrap allowances, marketing funds and supplier rebates.

Communication

• Work with the Warehouse team, Finance and Supplier Management to problem solve around deliveries and invoice queries.

• Maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries and resolve any issues.

Backlog Management and Expedition

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of purchase backlog through actioning supplier order acknowledgments and expediting delinquent delivery messaging vs acknowledgement commitments.

• Maintain supplier T&Cs records that enable accurate backlog management based on the terms we are entitled to.

• Support in tracking and reconciling inventory discrepancies.

Supplier Delivery Performance Tracking

• Tracking supplier operational performance metrics such as delivery times, quality, and responsiveness.

• Develop a performance scorecard for strategic and core suppliers for purchasing and inventory control that is used in Supplier Management reviews to problem solve and hold suppliers to account for their commitments.

Reporting and Analysis

• Generate regular reports on procurement activities, expenses, and key performance indicators.

• Analyse data to identify trends and provide insights to improve supply chain procurement processes.

• Supplier performance scorecard development and use as referenced above.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and relevant regulations.

Assistance in Negotiations

• Utilise Supplier Management and other stakeholders where negotiation support is required to optimise results.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process enhancements within the procurement workflow.

• Collaborate with team members to implement best practices and streamline procedures.

General

• Responsible for their own performance, and to support their team in, achieving all targets and job standards set out by the Head of Purchasing and Inventory Control.

• Adaptable and flexible in their approach to work.

• Work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.

• To be curious and always looking for a better way to perform a task, in order to improve efficiency.

• Communicative and respectful of all workers within Rapid and their working environment.

• Understand how each task within the team impacts on the overall Client / Customer Experience of Rapid and ensure that they are striving to make this the best possible experience for all concerned.

• Work with trainers and managers to ensure that all skills are kept up to date.

• Perform any reasonable task that is required of them by their Manager.

• Provide consideration for holiday cover support where requested

Why Rapid?

At Rapid we're collaborators, innovators, and partners, with a purpose of helping you become better. As a leading distributor catering to bespoke needs in the Industrial and Education sectors across the UK, we take pride in our commitment to be the preferred choice for our customers, suppliers and our employees. Join a great place to enjoy growth Collaborative Can Do Culture:

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. You'll be part of a team that thrives on collective expertise and mutual support to achieve. Opportunities for Growth:

We believe in investing in our employees' growth and development. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance to the next level, we provide ample opportunities for learning, competence development, and career advancement.

Customer-Centric Approach:

Our success is built on our commitment to exceed our customers' expectations. As a member of the Rapid family, you'll play a crucial role in delivering bespoke solutions that elicit customer satisfaction and loyalty. Work-Life Balance:

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages to support our employees' overall well-being.

Our Values, our DNA:

At Rapid our values are lived, not laminated. You feel, hear and see them in action relentlessly. They shape our culture and make us a Great Place to Work.

Benefits

• 21 days holiday (increasing by one day per full calendar year to a maximum of 25) + statutory public holidays
• 5.5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Medicash Healthcare Cash Plan
• Secure complimentary parking
• Hybrid Working
• Complimentary refreshment stations
• Annual bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Buy / Sell Holiday
• Training Courses
• Staff Discount 
  

About the job

Business Development Manager

Salary OTE £65,000.00 + (dependent on experience)

Location: South West England - Bristol Area

We have an excellent opportunity in our Business Development Team for an ambitious Business Development Manager who is looking to build on their experience to date working as part of a talented, evolving Sales Team, reporting directly to the National Sales Manager.

Purpose of the Role

The Business Development Manager plays a critical role in driving the growth and success of Rapid. Responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building and maintaining strong client relationships, and developing strategic plans to expand market presence.

The role analyses market trends, understands customer needs, and creates innovative strategies to influence product specification and buying habits.

Business Development Managers are the senior leaders of our sales strategies and take ownership for all tasks associated with the profitable growth and business development in respect of both the industrial and education sector within the UK market. They will be focussed principally on our high potential customers where we want to maximise our share of wallet.

Key Accountability

The Business Development Manager has accountability for the creation and delivery of a sales activity plan for the accounts within the portfolio and to ensure growth of revenue and profit delivered by the portfolio in line with the targets set by the company.

• Provides ownership and development of sustainable and trusted relationships with strategic customers, creating sales revenue and gross margin performance across the portfolio.
• Develops a two-way business relationship between Rapid and customers to support category development and to embed efficient and relevant operational delivery to differentiate total offer.
• Delivers against revenue and profit target for the customers within the region
• Targeting planned growth against Own Brand focuses (R-TECH, TruConnect, UniStrand)
• Targeting planned growth against our focus Branded offer including Electronics, Automation & Control, Tools & Consumables, Electrical and Education products and solutions
• Developing business opportunities and growth by working closely with key strategic suppliers
• Enabling a positive Book to Bill number monthly, quarterly, and yearly, that is the foundation of our market growth.
• Positioning the Rapid value proposition to enhance our customers business needs, including long term stock agreements, service solutions and E-Proc engagement.
• Profitability focus – understanding our business model and implementing that effectively to win the customer.
• Meets Activity expectations set by Rapid in regard to customer visits (Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Year). 100% of Visit activity focused on High potential customers (A’s, B’s, and Cs against Portfolio Potential banding),
• Utilise internal resources including senior management to enable strategic customer wins.
• Drives and maximises Rapid’s commercial discount offering, to deliver sizeable revenue and profit growth in return.
• Effective creation and management of customer opportunities and conversion using CRM with an active Sales Pipeline. Showcases opportunities generated against above Revenue and Profit drivers
• Understands where high value opportunities are in terms of progress and likelihood of success.
• Utilise all internal capabilities and resources to win the customer. 
• Uses CRM daily to record customer opportunities, visits, calls, overall customer potential with Rapid
• Can articulate their Sales Pipeline at any given time Effectively promotes focused campaigns (Product / Customer) set by Rapid to enhance customer penetration and share 
• Actively manages and follows up on business leads shared from focus campaigns with a completion percentage greater than 80% and a Sales return value rate of greater than 50%
• Seeks and researches input on the market, customers, and competitor knowledge 
• Use and share market knowledge and data to improve our performance.
• Converts opportunities that bring Rapid longer-term relationship with its customers and forms a winning partnership with our customers. 
• Identifies a value-added opportunity vs. a transactional spot buy need. 
• Adjusts to the customer needs by applying the Rapid value proposition to optimise customer benefit.

Role Specific Attributes

• Degree educated with breadth and/or depth of sales and marketing experience across the relevant EMECH industries, markets or technologies

• The ability to influence at all levels and create demand

• Experience of eProcurement systems would be of benefit

• Proven track record of success in business development or sales.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong negotiation and presentation abilities.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyse data and make data-driven decisions.

• Knowledge of relevant industry trends and market dynamics.

• Proficiency in CRM software and other sales tools.

• Willingness to travel as needed and a current UK Driving Licence is essential

Why Rapid?

At Rapid we're collaborators, innovators, and partners, with a purpose of helping you become better. As a leading distributor catering to bespoke needs in the Industrial and Education sectors across the UK, we take pride in our commitment to be the preferred choice for our customers, suppliers and our employees.

Join a great place to enjoy growth

Collaborative Can Do Culture:

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. You'll be part of a team that thrives on collective expertise and mutual support to achieve.

Opportunities for Growth:

We believe in investing in our employees' growth and development. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance to the next level, we provide ample opportunities for learning, competence development, and career advancement.

Customer-Centric Approach:

Our success is built on our commitment to exceed our customers' expectations. As a member of the Rapid family, you'll play a crucial role in delivering bespoke solutions that elicit customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Work-Life Balance:

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages to support our employees' overall well-being.

Our Values, our DNA:

At Rapid our values are lived, not laminated. You feel, hear and see them in action relentlessly. They shape our culture and make us a Great Place to Work.

Benefits

• Car allowance of £6000.00 pa
• 21 days holiday (increasing by one day per full calendar year to a maximum of 25) + statutory public holidays
• 6% Employer Pension Contribution
• Private Healthcare
• Medicash Healthcare Cash Plan
• Secure complimentary parking
• Hybrid Working
• Complimentary refreshment stations
• Quarterly and Annual bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Buy / Sell Holiday
• Training Courses
• Staff Discount

Please apply via our Careers Page at Rapidonline.com