Operational Buyer

Manpower UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Operational Buyer to manage a portfolio of suppliers, negotiate contracts, and drive improvements in quality, cost, and delivery. This role offers a salary of £42,000 per annum and a hybrid working model with 2 days at home and 3 days in the office. Ideal candidates will have strong negotiation skills, experience in a manufacturing environment, and ideally hold an MCIPS qualification. Join us to make a tangible impact on cost and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a purchasing or buying role within manufacturing or engineering.
• Comfortable managing direct materials and indirect services.
• Strong understanding of commercial contract terms and conditions.

Responsibilities

• Manage a defined portfolio of suppliers and subcontractors.
• Negotiate and maintain contract agreements.
• Conduct supplier audits and lead corrective actions.

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

IT literacy

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

MCIPS qualification or working towards

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

Operational Buyer Birmingham | £42,000 per annum 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.

Package and location Salary: £42,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Hours:
37.5 per week, typically 08:30-16:30, Monday to Friday.

Location: Birmingham (B19), with occasional UK supplier and site visits.

How to apply If you're a proactive buyer looking to take ownership of a key supplier portfolio and make a tangible impact on cost, quality and delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience and salary expectations.

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