Buyer

SF Partners; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

SF Partners is seeking a Buyer to source and purchase metal and manufacturing materials, manage purchase orders, and ensure on-time delivery and quality.

You will negotiate pricing and terms, monitor supplier performance, maintain ERP/MRP records, and support continuous improvement across the supply chain. This role requires experience in manufacturing procurement, strong Excel skills, and the ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience purchasing metal, fabrication components, or engineering materials.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Good commercial awareness.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to prioritise workload in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Desirable: sheet metal fabrication, metal pressing, welding, or precision engineering (CIPS preferred).

Responsibilities

• Purchase sheet metal, steel, aluminium, stainless steel, fixings, fasteners, consumables, and other manufacturing materials.
• Raise and manage purchase orders in accordance with production schedules and inventory requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance, including delivery, quality, and cost.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and supply agreements.
• Source new suppliers and evaluate existing suppliers for quality, capability, and competitiveness.
• Work with Production, Planning, Engineering, Stores, and Quality teams to ensure material availability.
• Resolve supplier issues related to shortages, quality concerns, or late deliveries.
• Maintain purchasing records within the ERP/MRP system.
• Monitor inventory levels to balance stock with working capital targets.
• Identify cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.
• Support supplier audits and maintain approved supplier records.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with procedures, quality standards, and health and safety requirements.
• Produce purchasing reports and KPI information.

Skills

Procurement experience

Metal procurement

Negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

ERP/MRP systems

Organisational skills

Communication skills

MS Excel

Prioritisation

Education

CIPS qualification (or working towards)

Job description

Job Purpose

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing raw materials, components, consumables, and subcontract services required to support manufacturing operations. The role ensures materials are available on time, at the required quality, and at the best total cost, while maintaining strong supplier relationships and supporting continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase sheet metal, steel, aluminium, stainless steel, fixings, fasteners, consumables, and other manufacturing materials.
• Raise and manage purchase orders in accordance with production schedules and inventory requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance, including delivery, quality, and cost.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and supply agreements.
• Source new suppliers and evaluate existing suppliers for quality, capability, and competitiveness.
• Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, Stores, and Quality teams to ensure material availability.
• Resolve supplier issues relating to shortages, quality concerns, or late deliveries.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records within the ERP/MRP system.
• Monitor inventory levels to balance stock availability with working capital targets.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvements.
• Support supplier audits and maintain approved supplier records.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company procedures, quality standards, and health and safety requirements.
• Produce purchasing reports and KPI information as required.

Key Duties

• Daily review of material requirements generated by the MRP system.
• Expedite urgent deliveries where required.
• Issue RFQs (Requests for Quotation) and evaluate supplier responses.
• Maintain supplier price lists and contracts.
• Review and update lead times and minimum order quantities.
• Assist with stock control and inventory management.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous buying or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing metal, fabrication components, or engineering materials.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Good commercial awareness.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building abilities.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to prioritise workload in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Desirable

• Experience within sheet metal fabrication, metal pressing, welding, or precision engineering.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards).