Buyer

Element Solutions Inc; Woking; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Life Assurance

Private Medical Cover

Health Cash Plan

25 days holiday + public holidays

Job summary

Fernox, part of MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions, is seeking a Buyer based in the UK to manage a portfolio of production materials and indirect goods. You will develop sourcing strategies, negotiate terms, and ensure continuity of supply to support manufacturing and product development.

In this role you will travel occasionally within Europe and to the United States, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost and performance improvements in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering.
• Minimum three years' purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven commercial negotiation and supplier management experience.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; Power BI and JD Edwards would be an advantage.
• CIPS qualification or working towards membership.
• Experience managing spend exceeding £3m per annum.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned spend categories.
• Analyse production plans and forecasts to ensure material and service requirements are met.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, and sourcing activities to support cost, quality, service, and supply continuity objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and contracts to secure best value.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships, conducting regular reviews and performance assessments.
• Monitor supplier performance and lead improvement initiatives relating to cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and market analysis for assigned categories.
• Monitor and report purchasing performance against budget and savings targets.
• Act as the Purchasing representative within cross-functional teams, supporting new product development, product launches, and business projects.
• Conduct supplier audits and site visits to evaluate capability, capacity, and commercial suitability.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, sourcing optimisation, and procurement collaboration across the wider group.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base and procurement function

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering

CIPS qualification or in progress

Tools

Power BI

JD Edwards

Job description

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Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!

Fernox operates as a subsidiary business of MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions, a global diverse producer of high technology specialty products and a provider of technical services. MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions operates as a Business Unit of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI). Element Solutions Inc is a leading specialty chemical company whose business suplly a broad range of solutions that enhance the products people use every day.

Fernox is a leading manufacturer of water treatment chemical products, central heating system filters, plumbing consumables and diagnostic testing services. Fernox has pioneered the development of energy efficient products both for traditional and renewable technology in domestic and commercial applications. The business is committed to a progressive Research and Development program and invested in an extensive in-house R&D team of scientists based in the UK, People's Republic of China and the US, and has also offices in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Hungary and Turkey.

We strive to embody the five 'Elements of our Culture'- our '5C's'; Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for?

The Buyer will develop sourcing strategies, negotiate supplier agreements, drive cost and performance improvements, and act as the Purchasing representative for designated business areas, supporting manufacturing, product development, and operational requirements.

In this role, you will manage the procurement of a portfolio of production materials, commodities, and indirect goods and services, ensuring continuity of supply, commercial competitiveness, and alignment with business objectives.

The role will involve occasional international travel, primarily within Europe and to the United States, on an infrequent basis.

What will you be doing?

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned spend categories in line with business objectives.
• Analyse production plans and forecasts to ensure material and service requirements are met.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, and sourcing activities to support cost, quality, service, and supply continuity objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and contracts to secure best value and minimise risk.
• Build and maintain effective supplier relationships, conducting regular reviews and performance assessments.
• Monitor supplier performance and lead improvement initiatives relating to cost, quality, delivery, and service.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and market analysis for assigned categories.
• Monitor and report purchasing performance against budget and savings targets.
• Act as the Purchasing representative within cross-functional teams, supporting new product development, product launches, and business projects.
• Conduct supplier audits and site visits to evaluate capability, capacity, and commercial suitability.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, sourcing optimisation, and procurement collaboration across the wider group.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base and procurement function

Who are You?

• Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum three years' purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven commercial negotiation and supplier management experience.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and procurement processes: Power BI and JD Edwards would be an advantage.
• CIPS qualification or working towards membership.
• Experience managing spend exceeding £3m per annum.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier development.
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, chemicals, or FMCG sectors.

What competencies will you need?

• Commercial Acumen
• Strategic ThinkingAnalytical Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Management
• Results Focus

We are Offering...

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future! - As part of the team, as well as receiving a competitive base salary, you will also participate in a generous performance related bonus scheme. In addition, you will also receive Life Assurance, Private Medical Cover, Health Cash Plan, as well as 25 days holiday per annum plus public holidays. For this role, we are offering a salary starting from £41,348 per annum.We provide a challenging, but rewarding experience to our people. You will have the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute from your very first day. Our teams play an important role in enabling technological breakthroughs in high-growth industries around the world. We continuously invest in technologies and extensive learning and development tools, which provide opportunities to challenge, develop and nurture your career. #LI-IF1

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.