Buyer

Proactive Personnel Ltd; Chester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Permanent full-time position

Growing manufacturing business

Collaborative working environment

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Proactive Personnel Ltd in Chester is looking for an experienced Buyer to manage the end-to-end procurement of production materials and services. You will develop strong supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective purchasing, timely delivery, and continuity of supply across production and operations.

The role requires negotiating with suppliers, managing ERP/MRP data, and collaborating with Production, Planning, Engineering and Quality teams to support manufacturing objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience in Buyer/Purchasing/Procurement within a manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of supply chain and procurement fundamentals.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent organisation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for production materials, consumables and non-production items.
• Ensure materials are ordered and delivered in line with production schedules and business requirements.
• Source new suppliers and obtain competitive quotations that meet quality, cost and delivery expectations.
• Assess supplier capabilities and work with stakeholders to identify suitable supply solutions.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure optimal service and performance.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and support supplier performance improvement initiatives.
• Manage purchase orders, supplier expediting, returns processing and invoice queries.
• Resolve supply chain issues and delivery delays, minimising disruption to operations.
• Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering and Quality teams to support manufacturing objectives.
• Support supplier quality processes, including documentation, approvals and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate supplier and purchasing information within ERP/MRP systems.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with inventory management and purchasing controls to support efficient operations.

Skills

Buyer experience

Supply chain principles

Negotiation with suppliers

Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Organisational skills

Stakeholder management

Manufacturing environment experience

Education

CIPS qualification

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

Location: Chester

Salary: Competitive, DOE (Dependent on Experience)

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

About the Role

Proactive Personnel are currently recruiting for an experienced and driven Buyer on behalf of a well-established manufacturing organisation based in Chester.

This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional to join a growing business where they will play a key role in ensuring the timely supply of materials, consumables, and services required to support production and operational activities.

The successful candidate will work closely with internal departments including Production, Planning, Engineering and Quality, while developing strong relationships with suppliers to ensure cost-effective purchasing, continuity of supply and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for production materials, consumables and non-production items.
• Ensure materials are ordered and delivered in line with production schedules and business requirements.
• Source new suppliers and obtain competitive quotations that meet quality, cost and delivery expectations.
• Assess supplier capabilities and work with stakeholders to identify suitable supply solutions.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure optimal service and performance.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and support supplier performance improvement initiatives.
• Manage purchase orders, supplier expediting, returns processing and invoice queries.
• Resolve supply chain issues and delivery delays, minimising disruption to operations.
• Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering and Quality teams to support manufacturing objectives.
• Support supplier quality processes, including documentation, approvals and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate supplier and purchasing information within ERP/MRP systems.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with inventory management and purchasing controls to support efficient operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure continuity of supply through effective procurement and supplier management.
• Support production requirements through on-time delivery of materials and services.
• Contribute to supplier sourcing and selection activities.
• Support cost reduction objectives through negotiation and supplier development.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and system data to support planning and reporting.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience within a Buyer, Purchasing or Procurement role, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of supply chain and procurement principles.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating with suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.

Desirable

• CIPS qualification or working towards a procurement qualification.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes and performance management.
• Experience within engineering, fabrication, manufacturing or industrial sectors.

Personal Attributes

Proactive and self-motivated approach.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Commercially aware with excellent attention to detail.

Team player with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the business.

Resilient and adaptable in a changing operational environment.

Committed to delivering high standards of service and performance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Permanent full-time position.
• Opportunity to join a successful and growing manufacturing business.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Career development opportunities.