Materials Planner/Buyer

Hernshead Recruitment Ltd; Leicester Forest East; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established electrical equipment manufacturer in Leicester Forest East is seeking an experienced Buyer to join their procurement team. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering background, be CIPS qualified, and excel in negotiation and communication skills. Responsibilities include planning materials procurement, maintaining supplier relationships, and ensuring quality in line with ISO9001 standards. This role offers the chance to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to cost-effective purchasing.

Qualifications

• CIPS qualification or equivalent is essential.
• Experience as a buyer in a manufacturing environment preferable.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and procure materials for assembly according to project requirements.
• Negotiate supply agreements and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance and address quality or delivery issues.

Skills

Excellent negotiation and communication skills

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Proficient in ERP / MRP systems

Education

CIPS qualification or equivalent

Proven experience as a buyer in a manufacturing / engineering environment

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

EFACS business system

Job description

My client are an established electrical equipment manufacturer with over 100 years of experience. They design and manufacture high power electrical resistors used in electricity generation, transmission and distribution as well as in the industrial automation, marine, telecoms and rail transit markets.

Applications for our products include the filter and neutral earthing for MV and HV systems, the dynamic braking of motors and industrial drives and the load testing of batteries and generators. We supply to large contractors, OEMs and end users throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Job Overview

They're seeking an experienced and proactive Buyer to join their 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 within the purchasing department.
• Ensure all relevant ISO9001 procedures are adhered to
• Ensure quality and performance of ordered materials are in line with required standards

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• CIPS qualification or equivalent
• 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 organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Desirable

• Previous experience using EFACS business system