Buyer

Mane Contract Services; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in the UK is seeking a Buyer to join their Supply Chain team. You will be responsible for supplier management and procurement metrics, ensuring timely delivery of products. Ideal candidates will have a purchasing qualification and technical background, alongside strong analytical skills. Prior experience in an engineering or production environment is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Purchasing qualification by experience or education.
• Significant experience in a purchasing function.
• Technical qualification preferable.

Responsibilities

• Manage approved suppliers with the Purchasing Manager.
• Negotiate and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Directly manage buyer(s) and set objectives.
• Manage internal procurement performance metrics.
• Work closely with planning team on material availability issues.

Skills

Relationship building

Excel

Data analysis

MRP systems

Conflict management

Communication

Education

Purchasing qualification (CIPS Level 4)

Qualification in Technical Discipline (HNC, HND or Degree)

Tools

JD Edwards (E1)

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Join an engineering company that manufactures micro and nano-structures, with customers using their process solutions to research and produce materials and semiconductors vital for everything from medical devices and diagnostics, to electric cars and quantum computers.

This is a key role within the business and the Supply Chain function, ensuring that their customers receive their products on time, to budget and to the highest quality standards. You will be accountable for the entire cycle of procurement and as Buyer you will be responsible for supplier analysis, supplier management and relevant performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• With the Purchasing Manager, manage approved suppliers and implement commercial solutions for current and future parts and assemblies.
• Negotiate and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for OTIF, cost reduction, inventory management (Consignment, Kanban, Vendor Managed Inventory), lead time reduction, supply risk minimization and inventory exposure, and payment terms.
• Directly manage buyer(s), set objectives, and manage capacity and performance.
• Manage internal procurement performance metrics: order placement, orderbook management, vendor returns, queries and invoices.
• Work closely with the planning team to understand changes in business needs and communicate material availability issues that impact build schedules.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist the Group Category Manager (GCM) to negotiate best commercial terms for the Business Unit.
• Provide input into SLAs and work with GCM on supplier rationalisation and open book pricing for configured products and high-level assemblies.
• Report on delivery and quality performance and KPIs to PM and suppliers.
• Act as primary escalation point for supplier issues, hold regular key supplier reviews, drive supplier improvement, and communicate forecasts/plans to suppliers.
• Participate in supplier assessments and manage new supplier NDAs and questionnaires.
• Ensure all part details including costings and lead times are entered into the company’s ERP system.
• Address purchase price variances on invoices with suppliers and comply with Company and Quality procedures.
• Carry out any tasks reasonably requested by the company.

Education / Qualifications

• Purchasing qualification by experience or education (CIPS Level 4) or significant experience in a purchasing function.
• Qualification in a technical discipline (HNC, HND or Degree).

Professional Skills / Abilities

• Able to build effective relationships.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• MRP fluent, ideally JD Edwards (E1), SAP or Oracle.
• Able to manage conflicting priorities and people.
• Clear and concise communicator.
• Track record in an engineering/production environment driven by challenging deadlines and change management to achieve quality and delivery objectives.