Buyer/Senior Buyer - Eastbourne

Recruitment South East; Wealden; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Une entreprise de fabrication et d'ingénierie de premier plan recrute un Acheteur Senior pour diriger une équipe, améliorer l'efficacité et garantir la performance de la chaîne d'approvisionnement. Le rôle implique la gestion des relations fournisseurs, des négociations contractuelles et la coordination des tâches au sein de l'équipe d'approvisionnement. Une expertise dans le sourcing de composants techniques ainsi qu'une accréditation CIPS sont souhaitées.

Qualifications

• Expérience préalable dans un rôle d'approvisionnement au sein d'un environnement manufacturier ou d'ingénierie.
• Capacité à mener des discussions et à prendre des décisions en respectant les directives de l'entreprise.
• Doit être un bon joueur d'équipe avec énergie, dynamisme et mentalité proactive.

Responsibilities

• Fournir un leadership à l'équipe d'approvisionnement, en encourageant la collaboration et les meilleures pratiques.
• Coordonner les tâches et priorités de l'équipe.
• Gérer les opérations d'approvisionnement en l'absence du responsable d'approvisionnement.
• Source et évaluer les fournisseurs, négocier des contrats et gérer le fret international si nécessaire.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Négociation

Gestion du temps

Sourcing de composants techniques

Connaissance de J.D. Edwards (OneWorld XE)

CIPS accreditation

Lean/Six Sigma

Education

CIPS accreditation or equivalent professional procurement qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title: Senior Buyer
Reports to: Procurement Manager
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

MUST HAVE THE RELEVANT RIGHT TO WORK STATUS ALREADY IN PLACE AS OUR CLIENT IS UNABLE TO OFFER SPONSORSHIP OR CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FROM CANDIDATES WHO ARE ONLY ON A DATE/TIME RESTRICTED VISA.

About the Role
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading local manufacturing and engineering company with a global customer base. This business supplies precision–engineered components for use across a wide range of industrial applications including chemical, energy, power generation, and more.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to step into a senior role and support the Procurement Manager by leading a team, driving efficiencies, and ensuring supply chain performance and quality.

Scope of the Role
The Senior Buyer will:

• Provide leadership to the procurement team, encouraging collaboration and best practices.
• Coordinate daily team tasks and priorities.
• Ensure team members are supported with training and aligned with departmental goals.
• Deliver relevant procurement data, maintain metrics, and monitor supplier performance.
• Support supplier relationship management and continuous improvement efforts.
• Drive purchasing decisions that support best value, cost efficiency, and inventory control.
• Deputise for the Procurement Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement operations in the absence of the Procurement Manager.
• Ensure effective communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Source and evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, place orders, and manage international freight when required.
• Issue RFQs and select sources based on cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Collaborate with project teams and suppliers to meet pricing and delivery expectations.
• Review technical specifications to ensure compliance with customer and project requirements.
• Attend and contribute to internal contract review meetings.
• Act as the main point of contact for purchasing–related communications and project risks.
• Lead internal and external meetings to maintain project alignment.
• Identify and assess outsourcing opportunities and make recommendations.
• Investigate and recommend potential new suppliers or alternative products.
• Manage supplier non–conformances and coordinate corrective actions.
• Handle invoice queries and reconciliation.
• Produce and maintain procurement performance metrics.
• Maintain accurate MRP system data, including stock statuses and lead times.
• Support supply chain risk mitigation and supplier performance reviews.
• Participate in company–wide quality improvement and cost–saving initiatives.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a procurement role within a manufacturing or engineering environment is essential.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills at all levels.
• Ability to lead discussions, make decisions within company guidelines, and take ownership of outcomes.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Experience sourcing pumps, motors, instrumentation, and technical components is desirable.
• Knowledge of J.D. Edwards (OneWorld XE) or other ERP systems is beneficial.
• CIPS accreditation or equivalent professional procurement qualification is advantageous.
• Understanding of Lean or Six Sigma methodologies is desirable.
• Must be a strong team player with energy, drive, and a proactive mindset.
• Some domestic and international travel to suppliers may be required (approx. 5%).

Note: This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve in line with business needs.