Buyer - Newmarket, Suffolk - Permanent, Full-time - £35 000 to £45 000 depending on experience
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Buyer to manage the end-to-end procurement of materials, components, major work packages, and services for our business. In this role, you will execute daily purchasing activities, implement effective commodity strategies, and manage supplier relationships to drive quality, reliability, and year-on-year cost savings.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Operations: Handle day-to-day procurement, issue purchase orders based on requisitions and shortage lists, and manage MRP output to align component deliveries with production schedules.
Supplier Management: Continually monitor, evaluate, and report on vendor performance; manage end-to-end supplier relationships to ensure maximum delivery reliability and quality.
Commercial Negotiation: Negotiate price changes and special arrangements with vendors while researching and developing new or alternative sources of supply.
Support & Expediting: Partner with production planners to expedite priority orders, source engineering parts, and handle non-conforming materials to ensure rapid replenishment.
Continuous Improvement: Identify and highlight opportunities for cost savings across the procurement function through strategic sourcing and process improvements.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience within a supply chain environment. Previous buying experience within a manufacturing or engineering setting is highly desirable.
Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 or Level 5, or equivalent hands-on experience in a supply chain or related field.
Systems: Proven experience working with MRP systems and high proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
Key Skills: Strong negotiation and influencing skills, a background in supplier relationship management, and excellent communication abilities.
Attributes: Highly analytical with robust problem-solving and time-management skills; capable of working under financial and time-sensitive constraints.
Core Competencies
Strategic sourcing and contract management
MRP proficiency and business operations
Continuous improvement mindset
Supplier relationship management
Resilience to change and collaborative teamwork
