Raw Materials Buyer

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent forging company located in Sheffield is seeking a skilled Raw Materials Buyer to join their Procurement team. This role involves sourcing, negotiating, and securing high-quality raw materials essential for forging operations. Ideal candidates should have at least 3 years of procurement experience in metals, proficiency in ERP systems, and strong negotiation skills. The position offers competitive benefits including a bonus scheme, holidays, and development opportunities.

Benefits

33 days holiday

5% pension scheme contribution

Bonus scheme

Health cash plan

Access to fitness apps and gyms

Free work wear and PPE

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years procurement experience in heavy manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of forging material requirements.
• Able to read technical drawings and material specifications.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase forging-grade metals.
• Negotiate pricing and long-term supply agreements.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production teams.

Skills

Procurement experience in metals

Negotiation and relationship management

Analytical and cost-modelling skills

Understanding of steel grades and alloys

Proficient in ERP systems

Education

Qualifications in Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering

Job description

Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)

Hours of work 08:15 16:30 Monday to Thursday. Friday 08:15 16:00 (37 hours)

Overview

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.

Role Summary

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

• 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 Britains 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 UKs leading forge manufacturing companies 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

• 33 days holiday, including bank holidays.
• Pension scheme – 5% contribution.
• Bonus scheme linked to team and company performance.
• Westfield cash plan – level 1 health cash plan with discounts and special offers.
• Wellhub access to various fitness apps and gyms in the local area.
• Free work wear and PPE.
• Development opportunities to progress your career.