Buyer (Industrial Placement)

Elcometer Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Placement Buyer based in Manchester. This temporary position offers students hands-on experience in procurement, supplier management, and commercial decision-making. Candidates will assist with sourcing components, managing purchase orders, and supporting new product development efforts. The ideal candidate should be proactive, possess strong analytical skills, and have a willingness to learn. Applications are to be sent with an updated CV and cover letter.

Qualifications

• Students in relevant disciplines are encouraged.
• No prior buying experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Source components and influence design for manufacture.
• Manage purchase orders and supplier performance.
• Expedite overdue orders and resolve quality issues.
• Support negotiations, analyse spend data.

Skills

Numeracy & analytical ability

Communication & interpersonal skills

Excel & IT confidence

Proactive, problem-solving mindset

Education

Students studying Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations/Manufacturing

Job description

As a Placement Buyer, you’ll own real projects, influence sourcing decisions, and gain hands‑on experience in procurement, supplier management, and commercial decision‑making.

Manchester, UK

Temporary

Career Pathways: Procurement | Supply Chain | Operations | Commercial Management | Manufacturing

Responsibilities:

Supporting New Product Development (NPD)

• Source components and influence design for manufacture.
• Benchmark costs, assess whole‑life value.
• Ensure prototypes and launch materials are on time.
• Strengthen supply resilience.

Keeping Production Moving

• Manage purchase orders and supplier performance.
• Expedite overdue orders and resolve quality issues.
• Update ERP parameters based on demand trends.
• Support negotiations, analyse spend data.
• Consolidate suppliers for cost efficiency.
• Supplier appraisals and due diligence.
• CE/UKCA, RoHS, REACH, CSR compliance.
• Assist with import clearance and transport coordination.

About You:

Who we are looking for:

Students studying: Supply Chain Management,Business, Engineering, Operations/Manufacturing,or related disciplines.

Skills

• Numeracy & analytical ability.
• Communication & interpersonal skills.
• Excel & IT confidence.
• Proactive, problem‑solving mindset.
• No prior buying experience required — wevalue potential and drive!

What you’ll learn:

• International supply chain exposure.
• ERP/MRP system expertise.
• Cost analysis and commercial evaluation.
• Stakeholder management across Engineering, Production, QA, and Planning.
• KPI tracking and performance measurement.

Applications should be made by forwarding a copy of your up to date CV and covering letter to [e-mail] or alternatively, you can submit your application by post to: Elcometer Limited, Edge Lane, Droylsden, Manchester, M43 6BU.