Raw Materials Buyer

Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent forging company in Sheffield is seeking an experienced Raw Materials Buyer. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and securing essential raw materials for forging operations, requiring a strong background in procurement within the metals industry. Key responsibilities include negotiating contracts and collaborating with teams to ensure compliance with specifications. This full-time position offers competitive benefits, including a bonus scheme and development opportunities.

Benefits

33 days holiday including bank holidays

5% pension contribution

Bonus scheme linked to performance

Health cash plan

Access to fitness apps and gyms

Free work wear and PPE

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 3+ years procurement experience in metals, forging, machining, steel mills, or heavy manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of steel grades, alloys, metal properties, and forging material requirements.
• Able to read technical drawings and material specs.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase forging-grade metals and develop an effective sourcing strategy.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and long-term supply agreements.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production to ensure materials meet specifications.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation and relationship management

Analytical and cost-modelling skills

Understanding of steel grades and alloys

Proficient IT skills with ERP

Education

Qualifications in Supply Chain, Business, Metallurgy, Engineering

Job description

Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)

Hours of work – 08.15 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday. Friday 8:15am – 16:00 (37 hours)

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) are continuing to invest and grow, and we are looking to add to our Procurement team.

Over the last few years, we have invested in the business and have successfully doubled our turnover. We are looking to continue this growth and are looking to for the right people to help us join our team.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Raw Materials Buyer to source, negotiate, and secure high-quality raw materials essential to our forging operations – including metal billets, ingots and bar stock. You will play a key role in ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and adherence to technical specifications. Working closely with Commercial, Quality Engineering, Inventory Control and Planning, you will help maintain optimal inventory levels and support smooth, efficient operational performance.

Main duties of the role include:

• Procurement & Sourcing – Source and purchase forging-grade metals, develop an effective sourcing strategy, evaluate and audit suppliers, and monitor global metal markets to maintain quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
• Negotiation & Contract Management – Negotiate pricing, payment terms, deliveries and long-term supply agreements; ensure contracts meet technical and certification requirements; and issue purchase orders while maintaining accurate procurement records.
• Technical & Quality Alignment – Collaborate with Quality and Production to ensure materials meet forging specifications, review mill certifications and MTRs, and resolve any material-related issues promptly.
• Inventory & Supply Continuity – Work with Planning, Production, and Commercial teams to maintain inventory, mitigate supply risks, and coordinate efficient inbound deliveries.
• Cost & Performance Analysis – Monitor procurement KPIs, analyse cost drivers, and support budgeting and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Compliance & Documentation – Ensure compliance with industry standards, maintain procurement and supplier records, and uphold ethical sourcing and corporate policies.

Qualifications / Experience

Essential:

• At least 3+ years procurement experience in metals, forging, machining, steel mills, or heavy manufacturing.
• A strong understanding of steel grades, alloys, metal properties, and forging material requirements.
• Demonstrable key supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Excellent analytical and cost-modelling skills, leading to data-driven decision making.
• Able to read technical drawings and material specs.
• Proficient IT skills including working knowledge of ERP

Desirable:

• Qualifications in Supply Chain, Business, Metallurgy, Engineering, or related field.
• Driving licence.

About Independent Forgings

Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is one of Britain’s leading independent aerospace and industrial forgers. The unique feature about IFA is the combination of open and closed-die forging while also undertaking the whole production process from raw material to the finished product in one location. Operating from a 680 000ft2 facility in Sheffield, we manufacture high-integrity, open-die and closed-die forged components in nickel alloy, titanium, stainless steel and carbon alloys for customers and tier‑one suppliers within the aerospace, nuclear, power generation, marine as well as oil and gas sector.

Why work for us?

At IFA we pride ourselves on being a great place to work. As one of the UK’s leading forge manufacturing company we want to ensure that we attract, motivate and retain the best people who can deliver the best service to the company and our customers.

We offer you:

• Holidays – you will have 33 days holiday, including bank holidays.
• Pension scheme – IFA wants to provide its employees a good foundation for the life after work and hence offers a 5% contribution.
• Bonus scheme – this is linked to team and company performance.
• Westfield cash plan – IFA provides level 1 health cash plan which comes along with numerous discounts and special offers, including gym discounts, online, high street and grocery retailers and many more.
• Wellhub – access to various fitness apps and gyms in the local area.
• Free work wear and PPE.
• Development – we offer genuine development opportunities to progress your career.