Buyer (German Speaking)

First Military Recruitment Ltd; Colchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An international supplier of MRO spare parts seeks an experienced Buyer fluent in German and English. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating terms, and handling purchase orders. Candidates with a background in purchasing or logistics are preferred. Working hours are Monday to Friday, and the role includes various benefits such as a bonus scheme and private healthcare after one year. Applicants should have own transport due to office location.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Private healthcare after one year of service

Workplace pension with employer contribution

Internal and relevant external training opportunities

Qualifications

• MUST be fluent in German & English.
• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, or logistics is preferred.
• Strong organisational skills with a detail‑oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Research and engage with potential new vendors.
• Negotiate prices and terms of business with vendors.
• Manage supplier relationships and customer communications.

Skills

Fluency in German

Fluency in English

Organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Proactive management of priorities

Job description

MS638 - Buyer (German Speaking)

Location: Colchester

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000

Overview

First Military Recruitment are seeking an experienced Buyer on behalf of our client, a well‑established international supplier of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) spare parts to heavy industrial sectors across the globe.

The company has been delivering high‑quality MRO components sourced from European and North American manufacturers to clients in regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australasia, and South America for over four decades.

This role includes managing supplier relationships, negotiating terms, handling purchase orders, and supporting the supply chain process from vendor selection to delivery.

Candidates from an ex‑military background are encouraged to apply, but all qualified candidates will be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and engage with potential new vendors.
• Obtain and evaluate pricing from multiple suppliers.
• Negotiate prices and terms of business with vendors.
• Prepare customer quotations.
• Place and manage purchase orders.
• Monitor order progress to meet customer delivery timelines.
• Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure timely, high‑quality deliveries.
• Manage supplier relationships (SRM) and customer communications (CRM).
• Provide general customer service support as required.

Qualifications

• MUST be fluent in German & English.
• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, or logistics is preferred.
• Strong organisational skills with a detail‑oriented approach.
• Confident communicator with excellent telephone and written skills.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Willingness to learn about international trade and the MRO industry.
• Own transport is essential due to the office location.

Benefits

• Bonus scheme (typically outlined after the first year)
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 (37.5 hours/week)
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Workplace pension with employer contribution
• Private healthcare after one year of service
• Internal training and development
• Relevant external training opportunities