Contract Buyer

Terry Parris Associates; Tonbridge; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Terry Parris Associates is looking for a temporary Buyer to support a growing procurement function near Tonbridge, Kent. The role covers purchasing activity, supplier management, and SAP Super User duties to ensure timely supply of materials for production and engineering teams.

The ideal candidate will have SAP experience, strong negotiation skills and be willing to work towards CIPS certification. This role offers hybrid working with primary on-site presence and potential for long-term

Qualifications

• Experience in SAP purchasing within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong supplier negotiation and communication abilities.
• High attention to data accuracy and process discipline.
• Willingness to work toward CIPS qualification.
• On-site working with limited hybrid flexibility.

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.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering and Industrialisation teams; act as SAP Super User.

Skills

SAP experience

Purchasing in manufacturing

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Team player

On-site work

CIPS willing

Education

CIPS qualification or willingness to pursue

Tools

SAP

Job description

Buyer - Temporary

Location: Tonbridge, Kent
Salary: GBP40k
Contract: 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