Lead Buyer

NOV Inc; Great Yarmouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading supplier in the manufacturing sector is seeking a Lead Buyer to lead the purchasing team in Great Yarmouth. This role focuses on driving excellence in supply chain operations, managing supplier relationships, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Candidates should have proven experience in procurement or supply chain, strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as a passion for continuous improvement. This position offers opportunities for career progression and personal development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Great Yarmouth purchasing team.
• Oversee daily procurement transactions and manage direct spend.
• Monitor and expedite late purchase orders with planning department.
• Evaluate and improve supplier performance.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through improvements.
• Support engineering teams on product changes.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Job description

Are you an experienced procurement professional ready to take the lead in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? We’re looking for a Lead Buyer to head our Great Yarmouth purchasing team , driving excellence in supply chain operations and ensuring customer and stakeholder demands are met in line with evolving production priorities.

In this role, you’ll work closely with our Strategic Procurement team to develop and implement sourcing strategies, streamline processes, and deliver tangible efficiencies across the business. You’ll play a key part in strengthening supplier relationships, improving performance, and supporting NOV’s commitment to quality and innovation.

At NOV, we believe that developing our business goes hand in hand with developing our people. With the support of the ISE Procurement Manager , you’ll have opportunities for career progression, continuous learning, and personal development as you work toward both professional and organizational goals.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and mentor the Great Yarmouth purchasing team, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Oversee daily procurement transactions including requisitions, purchase orders, change orders, and supplier validation.
• Manage direct spend with preferred suppliers and expedite exceptions as needed.
• Monitor and expedite late purchase and works orders, working closely with the planning department to resolve issues impacting production schedules.
• Evaluate and improve supplier performance—driving enhancements in delivery, quality, and lead times.
• Identify and deliver cost‑saving opportunities through product, vendor, and design improvements.
• Support engineering teams on product changes and new product introductions affecting manufacturing and supply chain processes.
• Manage invoice payment issues by performing root cause analysis and implementing solutions.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning and vendor development.
• Continuously improve procurement processes, documentation, and performance metrics.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving abilities.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.