Buyer

Oxford Instruments GmbH; Severn Beach; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is seeking a Buyer for a permanent role in Severn Beach, UK. The Buyer will manage order placements, communicate with suppliers, and ensure timely deliveries while resolving discrepancies. Ideal candidates should possess strong purchasing experience, communication skills, and knowledge in MRP systems. The role offers competitive salary, career development, and various benefits including private healthcare and 25 days of annual leave.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Flexible benefits package

Defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan

Share incentive plan

Early finish on Fridays

Qualifications

• Purchasing qualification by experience or education (CIPS level 4).
• Qualification in a technical discipline (HNC/HND or Degree).
• Experience in engineering/production environment with deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Place orders with approved suppliers balancing cost and inventory.
• Ensure open order reports are actioned weekly and MRP system updated.
• Manage supplier agreements and implement commercial solutions.
• Work with Engineering, Planning, and Quality to ensure supplier management.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Excel and data analysis skills

Experience with Purchasing processes

Relationship building

MRP fluent

Ability to manage conflicting priorities

Education

Purchasing qualification (CIPS level 4)

Qualification in a technical discipline (HNC/HND or Degree)

Tools

E1 (JD Edwards)

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Buyer for a permanent position located in Severn Beach, Bristol. In this role, you will play a crucial part in the order placement and expediting process of various commodities. Your responsibilities will encompass actioning purchase requisitions, generating purchase orders, and effectively communicating with suppliers to ensure a seamless delivery process. You will also be tasked with resolving delivery, invoice, and price discrepancies that may arise. We are looking for a skilled buyer who possesses a proven track record in process improvement, exceptional people and supplier management skills, and a commitment to systematic compliance. Join us and make a significant impact in our procurement team.

Key Responsibilities

• Place orders with the approved suppliers, using the following criteria:
  • Mirror MRP demand while balancing cost break points with inventory targets.
  • Obtain the best lead time, quality and price.
  • Use designated OIPT key suppliers in line with the Approved Vendor List.
• Ensure Open order reports are actioned each week and MRP system is updated.
• Make a proposal for the development of a commodity strategy and improvement opportunities, improving quality, cost, delivery and reducing risk in the supply chain.
• Other tasks expected to be conducted include, but are not restricted to, solving Invoice queries, managing Return to Vendor stock, FAIs, Cost updates, lead time reviews, Service stocks and spot purchases.
• With the Senior Buyer, manage approved suppliers and implement the best commercial solutions for current and future parts and assemblies.
• Ensure the supply plan meets the production schedule, ensuring material is ordered on time, enabling shortage‑free kits at the point of build launch, meeting the production schedule.
• Understand changes in business needs as well as communicating material availability issues that may impact build schedules and develop solutions that mitigate any potential impact to our ability to deliver to our customers in line with our commitments.
• Management Supplier Agreements, Service Level Agreements, Supplier Scorecards and regular Supplier visits and Business.
• Work with Engineering, Planning and Quality to ensure robust supplier management and support.
• Progress shortages daily and ensure information is available for Production meetings.

Education / Qualifications

• Purchasing qualification by experience or education (CIPS level 4).
• Qualification in a technical discipline (HNC/HND or Degree).

Professional Skills / Abilities

• Able to build effective relationships.
• Strong communications skills. Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• MRP fluent, ideally E1 (JD Edwards), SAP or Oracle.
• Able to manage conflicting priorities and people.
• Clear and concise communicator.
• A record in an engineering/production environment driven by challenging deadlines and managing changes to ensure quality and delivery objectives are achieved.
• Experience with and sound knowledge of end‑to‑end complex manufacturing supply chains.
• Strong experience with Purchasing processes.
• A good understanding of ERP/MRP and importance of data compliance.
• Open to fresh ways of working and innovative in suggesting new ideas and possible solutions.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive starting salary, structured career development opportunities, and a good work‑life balance, Oxford Instruments offers 25 days annual leave, early finish on Fridays, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan, and a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.

Recruitment Agency Note

Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.