Buyer

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Bath; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement institute in the UK is seeking a dynamic Buyer to manage supplier relationships and ensure material availability. The ideal candidate has over 3 years of buying experience in manufacturing and strong negotiation skills. You'll drive supplier performance and implement cost-down initiatives while contributing to continuous improvement efforts in the supply chain.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of buying experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to negotiate with suppliers.
• Experience with precision-machined components, castings, or electronics.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day supplier performance across delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Drive cost-down initiatives and supplier improvement projects.
• Identify and mitigate supply risks using data-driven insights.

Skills

Supplier management skills

Negotiation skills

Data-driven decision making

Collaboration

Education

CIPS qualification

Engineering or business-related degree

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Are you a proactive problem-solver with a passion for supplier performance and supply chain reliability? We're looking for a dynamic Buyer to join our team and take ownership of supplier relationships, ensure material availability, and support continuous improvement across our supply chain.

What you'll do

• Own day-to-day supplier performance across delivery, quality, and responsiveness
• Maintain accurate ERP/DDMRP data and resolve orderbook mismatches fast
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support engineering changes, NPIs, and sourcing
• Drive cost-down initiatives and supplier improvement projects
• Champion lean supply methods like Kanban and replenishment systems
• Identify and mitigate supply risks using data-driven insights

What you bring

• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills
• ERP/DDMRP experience and a detail-driven mindset
• A collaborative approach and a passion for continuous improvement

Join us and help shape a high-performing, resilient supply chain that delivers every time.

Qualifications

Essential

• 3+ years buying experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with either precision-machined components, castings, or electronics.
• Negotiation skills with proven track record.
• ERP system proficiency, including parameter management (DDMRP preferred).
• Ability to read BOMs, specifications, and basic interpretation of engineering drawings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products.

Desirable

• CIPS qualification, engineering, or business-related degree.
• Knowledge of lean supply methods (Kanban, vendor-managed inventory, etc.).

Personal Specification

• Assertive, accountable, and proactive problem solver.
• Strong relationship-builder with suppliers and internal teams.
• Excellent communication skills, able to share both progress and risks clearly.
• Highly organised with strong follow-up and prioritisation skills.
• Resilient in a fast-paced environment, maintaining professionalism under pressure.
• Continuous improvement mindset who seeks better ways of working.