Buyer

Sourced Recruitment Limited; Oldbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A major player in the chemicals sector is seeking an experienced Buyer to join their procurement team. The ideal candidate will source chemical raw materials, manage supplier relations, and ensure efficient procurement aligned with business goals. Strong negotiation and analytical skills are required. This position offers competitive benefits including 25 days holiday, life assurance, and access to a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free life assurance cover

Generous paid sick scheme

Access to stakeholder pension scheme

Voluntary employee medical cash benefit plan

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Procurement Specialist in the chemicals industry or similar.
• Ability to interpret technical data sheets and safety information.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate suppliers for chemical raw materials and related products.
• Negotiate pricing and long-term supply agreements.
• Manage contracts and monitor performance for compliance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Contract management

Communication

Relationship building

Education

CIPS qualification (or working toward it)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Dynamics

Job description

Buyer - Chemicals Industry - West Bromwich

We are seeking an experienced Buyer to join our client's procurement team, a major player within the chemicals sector for the UK. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing raw materials, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost‑effective, timely procurement aligned with business objectives. This role requires strong commercial acumen, deep industry insight, and the ability to navigate complex supply chains.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers for chemical raw materials, intermediates, and related products.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and long‑term supply agreements to secure the best value for the organization.
• Manage contracts, including renewals, performance monitoring, and compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Conduct market analysis, monitor commodity trends, and provide insight into risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with production, quality, logistics, and technical teams to ensure material availability and suitability.
• Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP / MRP systems and support continuous improvement of procurement processes.
• Resolve supply issues, manage escalations, and implement corrective actions where required.
• Support cost‑saving initiatives and contribute to the overall procurement strategy.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Procurement Specialist within the chemicals industry (or similar technical manufacturing environment).
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and contract management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP / MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, etc.).
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities.
• Ability to interpret technical data sheets, safety information, and regulatory requirements.

Desirable Qualifications

• In‑depth understanding of chemical raw materials, supply markets, and industry regulations.
• CIPS qualification (or working toward it).
• Experience managing global supplier portfolios.

Personal Attributes

• Detail‑oriented with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Commercially focused with a proactive approach to identifying value opportunities.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

Hours of work are 8.45 am – 4.30 pm, a 36.25 hour week. 25 days holiday (plus all UK bank holidays), free life assurance cover and generous paid sick scheme (both after a qualifying period). We also provide access to a stakeholder pension scheme, a voluntary employee medical cash benefit plan and an employee assistance programme.