Materials Buyer

Nicholas Associates Group Limited; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated procurement firm in Leicester is seeking an experienced Materials Buyer to ensure timely procurement of materials for assembly. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a manufacturing environment and be CIPS qualified. Responsibilities include planning purchases, negotiating with suppliers, and maintaining quality standards. This role offers a competitive salary of £35-40K along with benefits, fostering an inclusive community and supporting flexible work options.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace policies

Support for disabilities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a buyer in a manufacturing/engineering environment.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and procure materials required for assembly.
• Ensure parts and materials are bought at the most competitive prices.
• Identify new suppliers and negotiate supply agreements.
• Build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Continually monitor supplier performance.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

ERP/MRP Systems Proficiency

Understanding of Engineering Drawings

Education

CIPS Qualification or Equivalent

Tools

EFACS Business System

Job description

Position: Materials Buyer

Location: Leicester

Salary: £35-40K + benefits

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Materials Buyer to join our client's busy procurement team. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering or manufacturing background, be CIPS qualified and possess the technical ability to interpret engineering drawings. You will play a key role in ensuring timely, cost-effective procurement of materials and components while maintaining the highest standards of quality and supplier performance.

Principal Responsibilities

• Plan and procure materials required for assembly in line with project requirements, while reducing inventory levels and continually reducing costs.
• Ensure parts and materials are bought at the most competitive price and delivered on time for production.
• Identify new suppliers, agree terms and negotiate supply agreements where appropriate, including discount structures and volume rebates.
• Build and maintain effective supplier relationships, ensuring long‑term reliability and performance.
• Identify, exploit and monitor opportunities for reduced costs and wastage throughout the purchasing function whilst maintaining and improving product quality and on time delivery.
• Continually monitor supplier performance and address issues related to quality, cost or delivery.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives withing the purchasing department.
• Ensure all relevant ISO9001 procedures are adhered to.
• Ensure quality and performance of ordered materials are in line with required standards.
• At all times comply with company policies procedures and instructions.
• Ad-hoc duties in line with business requirements.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a buyer in a manufacturing/engineering environment.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficient in ERP / MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Desirable

• CIPS qualification or equivalent.
• Previous experience using EFACS business system.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.