Senior Buyer

Acorn by Synergie; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a Senior Buyer based in Bridgwater. This role involves developing purchasing strategies, managing supplier performance, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of materials. Ideal candidates will have GCSE Maths and English, procurement experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems. The position offers a hybrid working model, requiring some office presence combined with flexible home-working days.

Benefits

Flexible home working

Travel for training and supplier visits

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above, or equivalent.
• Experience in procurement and supplier management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and managing changeover.
• Good analytical, negotiation, and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategy to purchase materials optimizing total costs.
• Manage internal and supplier-held inventory levels.
• Participate in product review meetings for Purchasing Department.
• Support Purchasing Manager with tasks and projects.
• Negotiate services and utility contracts.

Skills

Procurement and supplier management experience

Proficient Microsoft Office skills

Excellent analytical, negotiation and organisational skills

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Creative problem solver

Education

GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above

CIPS level 3

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Power BI

Fourth Shift

Job description

Senior Buyer – Bridgwater | £35,000 | Hybrid (2 days from home, 3 days office based) | Permanent

Acorn by Synergie is recruiting for a Senior Buyer. Purchasing's role is to support the business' needs for all direct and indirect material. It works closely with different functions on site, liaising with key departments as necessary and obtaining the best pricing using a total cost approach for all bought items. This is a hands‑on role covering a number of different aspects, including the sourcing and buying of product, management of supplier QCD and contributing towards the department's KPIs.

Key Duties

• All team members are responsible for demonstrating commitment with respect to the management system by contributing to the effective implementation, operation and control of its processes.
• Develop strategy to purchase materials in line with company requirements while striving for the optimum total cost solution for the business.
• Continue developing the global sourcing programme, expanding the LCC sourcing programme to support regional and UK manufacturing facilities.
• Control and negotiate services and utility contracts.
• Manage internal and supplier held inventory levels for relevant components.
• Support all departments on revenue, capital and expenditure, ensuring all costing enquiries are returned in line with business requirements.
• Provide purchasing support to ensure customer quotes are prepared in a timely manner.
• Continually review opportunity for cost savings on direct and indirect purchases.
• Participate in product review meetings representing the Purchasing Department.
• Support the Purchasing Manager in tasks and projects in line with the needs of the business.
• Manage supplier QCD performance in line with company protocol.
• Manage and develop the company's dual party sourcing strategy to ensure global competitiveness within a commodity type market.
• Ensure Valpak submissions are completed and input on time.
• Supplier management including periodic review meetings, performance feedback and coordinating improvement projects.
• Work to find and implement efficiencies in department tasks.

Requirements

• GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above, or equivalent.
• Procurement and supplier management experience.
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Power BI.
• Familiar with ERP systems and managing changeover, with Fourth Shift and SAP experience preferred.
• CIPS level 3 would be advantageous.
• A good team player.
• Diligent and responsible.
• Resourceful and self‑driven with a strong sense of commitment and urgency to meet set goals, objectives and deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and get desired results.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and organisational skills.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image when presenting to suppliers and colleagues.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Analytically and numerically astute.
• Creative problem solver.
• Determined and resourceful.
• Proactive attitude.
• Self‑motivated and able to work on own initiative.

What We Offer

• Based at Bridgwater with some flexible home working.
• Travel as required within the UK, with international travel for training and infrequent supplier or Trelleborg site visits.
• Must have proof of right to work in the UK.

Interested?

Apply now for this Senior Buyer role.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.