Operational Buyer

Manpower Group (UK); Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Job summary

Manpower Group (UK) is partnering with a Birmingham-based electronics manufacturing business to hire an Operational Buyer. The role covers end-to-end supplier management, RFQs, contract negotiation and cost improvements across UK sites.

The successful candidate will drive supplier performance, manage a defined supplier base, and contribute to CSR and ethics in purchasing while operating in a hybrid 2 days at home / 3 days in the office pattern.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a purchasing or buying role within manufacturing or engineering.

Responsibilities

• Manage a defined portfolio of suppliers and subcontractors, developing category strategies.
• Source new supply solutions and challenge suppliers to improve quality, cost and delivery (QCD).
• Negotiate and maintain contract agreements in line with group purchasing terms and T&Cs.
• Run RFQs, benchmark key suppliers and support UK projects and NPD on strict timelines.
• Conduct supplier audits, monitor performance and lead corrective actions.
• Provide accurate budget information and report cost movements and savings.
• Support operational purchasing across UK sites to minimise supply chain risk.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

End-to-end supplier management

Stakeholder collaboration

Budgeting

Excel

Education

MCIPS (preferred)

Bachelor's degree in supply chain or engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Operational Buyer

Permanent Contract
Birmingham
Competitive Salary
Hybrid - 2 days at home 3 days in the office

We are partnering with a leading electronic engineering and manufacturing business in Birmingham seeking an experienced Operational Buyer to join their UK purchasing team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys end-to-end supplier management, negotiation and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

The role

• Manage a defined portfolio of suppliers and subcontractors, developing and delivering clear category strategies.
• Source new supply solutions and challenge existing suppliers to drive improvements in quality, cost and delivery (QCD).
• Negotiate and maintain contract agreements in line with group purchasing terms and commercial T&Cs.
• Run RFQs, benchmark key suppliers and support major UK projects and NPD activity to strict timelines.
• Conduct supplier audits, monitor performance and lead corrective actions where required.
• Provide accurate, timely budgetary information and report cost movement and productivity savings.
• Support operational purchasing needs across all UK manufacturing sites, helping to minimise risk in the supply chain.
• Contribute to and uphold the company's CSR, core values and Code of Ethics in all purchasing activity.

About you

• Proven experience in a purchasing or buying role, within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Comfortable managing both direct materials and indirect services, with an understanding of commercial contract terms and conditions.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills, with an eye for detail and continuous improvement.
• Confident communicator, able to work closely with stakeholders across operations, engineering, quality and finance.
• Highly IT literate, with strong Excel skills and experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Self-motivated, organised and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ideally MCIPS qualified or working towards and holding a valid UK driving licence.