Buyer

SF Recruitment; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Buyer for a 6-month contract in Devon and Torbay. The role involves ownership of operational purchasing activities, ensuring timely delivery of materials and components, and maintaining optimal stock levels. Applicants should have purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment and be familiar with MRP/ERP systems like SAP and Oracle. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in purchasing or supply-chain roles within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Raise and manage purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Expedite and track deliveries, resolving supply issues quickly.
• Maintain stock levels using MRP/ERP planning tools.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Supplier relationship management

Numerical accuracy

Problem-solving

Tools

SAP

Oracle

SAGE

Epicor

Job description

Buyer - 6M Contract

SF Recrutiment are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Buyer to take ownership of operational purchasing activities within a busy production environment in Newton Abbot. This role ensures that materials, components, and services are sourced in line with cost, quality and delivery requirements, supporting uninterrupted manufacturing operations. Role is a 6 month contract position

You will work closely with production, planning, engineering and supplier teams to maintain optimal stock levels, resolve supply issues quickly and drive best-value procurement.

Key Duties (Summarised)

• Raise and manage purchase orders to ensure materials, components and services are delivered on time.
• Expedite and track deliveries, resolving any delays or supply issues quickly to protect production.
• Maintain stock levels using MRP/ERP planning tools, preventing shortages and excess inventory.
• Liaise with suppliers daily to confirm pricing, lead times and order status; elevate risks when necessary.
• Support production and planning teams with up-to-date information on material availability and priorities.
• Manage supplier performance, address quality or delivery problems and assist with corrective actions.
• Source alternatives or short-term solutions when materials are delayed or unavailable.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, including delivery dates, pricing, supplier records and system updates.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing processes and support continuous improvement.

Duties

• Proven experience in purchasing or supply‑chain roles within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, SAGE, Epicor, etc.).
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier‑relationship skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proactive problem solver with a hands‑on, operational approach.