Working within a large company, The Buyer will be responsible for the procurement of materials, components, and services used within manufacturing. The role requires a certified procurement professional with strong experience using Sage 200 and a thorough understanding of import and export duties, ensuring continuity of supply, cost control, and full compliance with construction industry standards and international trade regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Supplier Management
- Procure raw materials, components, and subcontracted services for manufacturing operations.
- Source, assess, and onboard suppliers in line with company policies.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, lead times, and commercial terms to support production schedules.
- Manage supplier performance, quality, and delivery against agreed KPIs.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including material shortages and price volatility.
Manufacturing Focus
- Work closely with Production, Engineering, and technical teams to understand material specifications and manufacturing requirements.
- Ensure materials conform to the quality standards required, technical drawings, and regulatory requirements.
- Support project-based procurement aligned to customer programmes and timelines.
Systems & Financial Control
- Create and manage purchase orders, call-offs, and supplier records using Sage 200
- Ensure accurate pricing, cost codes, and stock data, re-order quantities and re-order levels within the ERP system.
- Pro-actively resolve invoice and delivery discrepancies in collaboration with Finance and goods inwards.
Import & Export Compliance
- Manage procurement from international suppliers, including EU and non-EU sources.
- Ensure correct application of import and export duties, tariffs, and VAT.
Cost Control & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor departmental material spend, budgets, and supplier costs.
- Identify cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities without compromising quality or compliance.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes and supply chain efficiency.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience as a Buyer within a manufacturing environment.
- Professional procurement certification (e.g. CIPS Level 3 or above, or equivalent)
- Practical experience using Sage 200 for purchasing and procurement.
- Strong working knowledge of import and export duties, customs processes, and Incoterms.
- Experience procuring construction-related materials (e.g. steel, timber, fixings, M&E components)
- Excellent negotiation, commercial, and supplier management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
Desirable
- Experience working with project-based or make-to-order manufacturing.
- Knowledge of construction standards and regulations (e.g. CE / UKCA marking, BS / EN standards).
- Understanding of logistics planning and inventory management.
- CIPS
Salary & Benefits
- Salary around £35,000 depending upon experience
- Pension, Annualised bonus scheme based on cost savings, Health Care Package, Mobile Phone, Laptop