Lead Buyer

-; Great Yarmouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement firm is seeking a Lead Buyer in Great Yarmouth to lead the purchasing team, driving excellence in supply chain operations. The role involves overseeing procurement transactions, managing supplier relations, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in procurement within a manufacturing environment, excellent communication skills, and a passion for operational excellence. Opportunities for career progression and personal development are also available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Great Yarmouth purchasing team.
• Oversee daily procurement transactions.
• Manage direct spend with preferred suppliers.
• Evaluate and improve supplier performance.
• Identify and deliver cost‑saving opportunities.

Skills

Procurement experience

Excellent communication

Negotiation abilities

Problem-solving abilities

Job description

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 elevate 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.

ABOUT US

Every day, the oil and gas industry's best minds put more than 150 years of experience to work to help our customers achieve lasting success.

We Power the Industry that Powers the World

Throughout every region in the world and across every area of drilling and production, our family of companies has provided the technical expertise, advanced equipment, and operational support necessary for success‑now and in the future.

Global Family

We are a global family of thousands of individuals, working as one team to create a lasting impact for ourselves, our customers, and the communities where we live and work.

Purposeful Innovation

Through purposeful business innovation, product creation, and service delivery, we are driven to power the industry that powers the world better.

Service Above All

This drives us to anticipate our customers' needs and work with