Buyer

Planet Recruitment; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Recruitment is seeking a Buyer to support operational purchasing within its Supply Chain team at Abingdon. This hands-on role focuses on accurate ordering, supplier follow-up and SAP data maintenance to keep materials available and production moving.

The role involves issuing RFQs, performing cost comparisons and supplier benchmarking, while expediting deliveries and resolving invoice discrepancies to safeguard continuous production and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience in buying, purchasing administration or procurement support.
• Strong numerical judgement and data accuracy.
• Experience using SAP and PO processing.

Responsibilities

• Raise, manage and track purchase orders to ensure material availability.
• Expedite deliveries and resolve supplier delays.
• Maintain SAP records and assist stock management.
• Issue RFQs and prepare clear price comparisons.
• Provide procurement cover during holidays and support cost-saving initiatives.

Skills

Organised

Supplier follow-up

Communication skills

Numerical accuracy

Tools

SAP

Job description

Position: Buyer

Location: Abingdon

Salary: 33,000 - 37,000 per annum

Our client is seeking a Buyer to support operational purchasing within its Supply Chain team. This is a hands‑on role where accurate ordering, proactive supplier follow‑up and reliable SAP data help keep materials available and production moving.

The Role:

As a Buyer, you will work within the Supply Chain team, dealing with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure timely, cost‑effective procurement. Reporting to the Operational Purchasing Manager, you will manage purchase orders, resolve delivery issues and support informed purchasing decisions through quotation analysis and cost comparisons.

The emphasis is on operational procurement rather than direct sourcing. You will also issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs), contribute to supplier benchmarking and help identify practical cost‑saving opportunities.

The role is 39 hours per week, requires no travel and has no direct reports.

Main Responsibilities:

• Raise, manage and track purchase orders to support timely material availability, obtaining supplier acknowledgements and updating SAP accordingly.
• Expedite deliveries, investigate supplier delays and coordinate action to minimise the risk of production disruption.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and SAP data, working with Supply Chain colleagues to support stock management and monitor supplier performance.
• Help resolve invoice and pricing discrepancies with suppliers and relevant internal stakeholders.
• Issue RFQs, gather supplier quotations and prepare clear pricing comparisons.
• Analyse supplier responses, support benchmarking and provide recommendations to the Purchasing Manager.
• Maintain cost analysis reports, identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and contribute to cost‑saving initiatives.
• Provide purchasing cover during holiday and sickness absences, and undertake other related activities within your capabilities as directed by management.

About You:

You will bring an organised, methodical approach and the confidence to follow up with suppliers, clarify discrepancies and keep colleagues informed. Relevant experience could come from buying, purchasing administration, procurement support or a similar supply chain role.

The work calls for accuracy in purchasing systems, sound numerical judgement and the ability to turn supplier quotations into useful comparisons. Experience using SAP would be particularly relevant, alongside familiarity with purchase order processing, delivery expediting and spreadsheet‑based analysis.

Required:

• A practical approach to managing purchasing activity, priorities and delivery deadlines.
• Clear communication skills for working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Careful attention to purchasing records, pricing and order information.
• An analytical, collaborative approach to resolving issues and supporting cost‑effective procurement.

Key Words:

Buyer, Operational Purchasing, Procurement, Supply Chain, SAP, Purchase Orders, Expediting, Supplier Relationships, RFQ, Benchmarking, Cost Analysis

Planet Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the position.