Buyer - Permanent or contract

Terry Parris Associates; England; Hybrid; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency is seeking a Buyer for a permanent position based in Tonbridge, Kent. The Buyer will support a growing procurement function, manage purchasing activities, ensure timely supply of materials, and maintain supplier relationships. Strong SAP experience is essential, as well as a background in manufacturing. The ideal candidate should possess excellent negotiation skills and be open to pursuing CIPS certification. The role offers a competitive salary and a primarily office-based environment with limited hybrid flexibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment is required.
• SAP proficiency is essential for role.
• Willingness to work towards CIPS certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Raise, amend and manage purchase orders in SAP.
• Maintain supplier relationships and resolve delivery issues.
• Support cost-down initiatives and efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering and Industrialisation teams.

Skills

Strong SAP experience

Purchasing experience within manufacturing

Confident supplier communicator and negotiator

Strong accuracy, organisation and data discipline

Ability to work in a small, collaborative team

CIPS qualified or willing to work toward qualification

Job description

Buyer Permanent or contract

Location: Tonbridge, Kent
Salary: GBP34,500 (35 hours per week)
Contract: 3 6 months
Hybrid: Primarily office‑based; limited hybrid considered
Temp to perm a potential

A Buyer is needed to support a growing procurement function consisting of a existing Buyer and a Strategic Buyer. You will manage purchasing activity, ensure timely supply of materials, maintain supplier relationships and act as the SAP Super User for the purchasing function. The position requires strong accuracy, supplier management capability and experience supporting production and engineering teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a manufacturing environment, SAP, strong negotiation skills, and either hold or be willing to work towards CIPS certification.

The Buyer will play a key role in supporting growth, managing engineering changes, analysing buying patterns and supporting cost‑down activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Raise, amend and manage purchase orders in SAP
• Maintain supplier relationships and resolve delivery issues
• Support cost‑down initiatives and efficiency improvements
• Analyse buying patterns and adjust order cover to meet demand
• Maintain purchasing data with accuracy across SAP and manual systems
• Support Engineering Change Notes (ECNs) and vendor performance reporting
• Collaborate closely with Production, Engineering and Industrialisation teams
• Act as SAP Super User for the purchasing function

Skills & Experience

• Strong SAP experience (essential)
• Purchasing experience within manufacturing (preferred)
• Confident supplier communicator and negotiator
• Strong accuracy, organisation and data discipline
• Ability to work in a small, collaborative team
• CIPS qualified or willing to work toward qualification
• Able to work on‑site, with limited hybrid flexibility

TPA Recruit is a specialist recruitment agency acting on behalf of our client to source and assess suitable candidates for this position. All applications will be reviewed and processed by our team, who will liaise directly with shortlisted individuals throughout the hiring process