Buyer

Hewett Recruitment; Ledbury; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a proactive Buyer to manage supplier relationships and drive cost-effective procurement. The role demands strong negotiation skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in procurement and a knack for strategic purchasing decisions, with a clear pathway for professional development within the organization.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Clear progression pathways

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a procurement or buying role.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build long-term supply partnerships.
• Detail-focused and proactive under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop supplier relationships through KPI monitoring.
• Negotiate commercial terms, including price and delivery schedules.
• Support and maintain commodity strategies for continuous improvement.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Excel proficiency

Problem-solving mindset

Education

GCSEs A-C and/or NVQ Level 3

Tools

ERP systems (Navision/SAP)

Job description

Buyer

Location: Ledbury (hybrid working available)
Salary: Circa £35,000+ great benefits
Hours: Full-time, Permanent

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a proactive Buyer to join a forward thinking procurement function within a fast paced and growing business. The role will see you managing key supplier relationships, supporting strategic purchasing decisions and driving cost-effective procurement solutions across a dynamic supply chain environment.

If you enjoy negotiation, relationship building and improving procurement processes, this role offers genuine development and influence within the business.

Reporting into the Procurement Team Lead & Senior Buyer, you will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to secure the best commercial outcomes in line with company cost, quality and service expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop supplier relationships through structured KPI monitoring, performance reviews and audit processes

• Negotiate commercial terms including price, delivery schedules, payment terms and stocking requirements in alignment with demand forecasts

• Support and maintain commodity strategies ensuring continuous improvement in cost, quality and lead time

• Collaborate with Product Management and suppliers on value engineering projects to reduce cost and enhance product offering

• Conduct regular benchmarking and supply route analysis to support best commercial decisions

• Lead quarterly supplier reviews, report performance results and drive corrective improvement plans where necessary

• Maintain accurate procurement data including Vendor records, pricing structures and inventory controls

• Support new part & supplier introductions

• Respond to RFQs and support sales projects to meet commercial viability and deadlines

• Work with stock planners to optimise reorder levels

• Resolve supplier discrepancies promptly to minimise commercial and operational impact

• Produce monthly KPI reports including POTIF and cost tracking

Secondary Duties

• Support Procurement Team Lead when required

• Contribute to departmental cost-saving initiatives aligned to annual targets

• Assist in procurement documentation review and continuous improvement of purchasing processes

• Share knowledge through training delivery and support development of procurement workshop materials

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and international subsidiaries to standardise buying practice and maximise efficiencies

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in a procurement or buying role, demonstrating understanding of the 5 Rights of Purchasing

• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence and build long-term supply partnerships

• Skilled in Excel with experience using ERP systems (Navision/SAP desirable)

• Comfortable interpreting supplier data, KPIs and technical drawings

• Excellent communicator with confidence engaging internal and external stakeholders

• Detail-focused, proactive and capable of working under pressure

• Driven by continuous improvement with a problem-solving mindset

Qualifications

• GCSEs A-C and/or NVQ Level 3 or above (CIPS advantageous)

• Full Clean UK Driving Licence

• Valid Passport (for supplier travel when required)

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to shape procurement strategy and supplier relationships

• Fast-moving role with autonomy, ownership and professional development

• A supportive team culture with clear progression pathways