Buyer

Polytec Personnel Ltd; Cheveley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Polytec Personnel Ltd is seeking an experienced Procurement and Supply Chain Specialist to join a manufacturing and engineering business in the Newmarket area. You will manage supplier relationships, oversee purchasing activities and ensure timely, cost-effective supply of materials and components.

Key responsibilities include negotiating prices, coordinating delivery schedules, monitoring MRP outputs and driving continuous improvement to reduce costs and production disruption.

Qualifications

• At least five years' experience in procurement or supply chain, ideally within manufacturing or engineering.
• CIPS Level 4/5 qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience with MRP systems, supplier management and commercial negotiations.
• Strong communication, analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and purchasing systems.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and deliver cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities, including purchase orders, supplier communications and price negotiation.
• Maintain supplier relationships, monitoring quality, cost, delivery and overall performance.
• Coordinate material requirements and delivery schedules to support production plans.
• Monitor MRP outputs, manage shortages and expedite critical deliveries.
• Identify alternative suppliers and support strategic sourcing activities.
• Resolve supply issues, including non-conforming materials, to minimise production disruption.
• Work closely with planning, engineering and production teams to meet operational requirements.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Procurement

Supply chain

MRP systems

Supplier management

Commercial negotiations

Communication

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Education

CIPS Level 4/5 qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Purchasing systems

Job description

Location: Newmarket (CB8)
Duration: Permanent
Hours: Mon - Thurs 8:30-17:00, Friday 8:30-16:00 (39 hours per week total)
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 depending on experience
Job Reference: 36365

We are seeking an experienced Procurement and Supply Chain Specialist to join a manufacturing and engineering business. You will manage supplier relationships, oversee purchasing activities and ensure the timely, cost-effective supply of materials and components, while identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities, including purchase orders, supplier communications and price negotiation
• Maintain supplier relationships, monitoring quality, cost, delivery and overall performance
• Coordinate material requirements and delivery schedules to support production plans
• Monitor MRP outputs, manage shortages and expedite critical deliveries
• Identify alternative suppliers and support strategic sourcing activities
• Resolve supply issues, including non-conforming materials, to minimise production disruption
• Work closely with planning, engineering and production teams to meet operational requirements
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive continuous improvement

Requirements

• At least five years' experience in procurement or supply chain, ideally within manufacturing or engineering
• CIPS Level 4/5 qualification or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience with MRP systems, supplier management and commercial negotiations
• Strong communication, analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and purchasing systems
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and deliver cost-effective solutions