Senior Buyer

Ford & Stanley Recruitment; Derby; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Buyer located in Derby to enhance procurement efficiency for materials in a manufacturing context. The role requires extensive procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in MRP/ERP systems. The ideal candidate will manage supplier relationships and focus on achieving cost reductions. A degree-level qualification and CIPS Level 4 are preferred.

Qualifications

• Extensive procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Proven track record of achieving cost reductions.
• Ability to work under pressure and proactively solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Procure direct and indirect materials and services.
• Engage with stakeholders and suppliers for sourcing.
• Lead vendor negotiations for cost savings.
• Build partnerships with suppliers and drive improvements.
• Manage inventory and minimize obsolete stock.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Proficiency in MRP/ERP systems

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree-level qualification

CIPS Level 4 preferred

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Senior Buyer | Purchasing Manager | Central Derby | Up to £42,000 p/a

Job Purpose

To ensure the effective sourcing and expediting of all materials to support business operations and assist the Supply Chain & Procurement team in coordinating material requirements in line with management systems and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Procure direct and indirect materials and services, with a focus on manufacturing and engineering categories.
• Engage early with internal stakeholders and suppliers to source the best products for all projects.
• Lead vendor negotiations and develop a roadmap for cost savings.
• Build long-term partnerships with suppliers and drive performance improvements in collaboration with other functions.
• Ensure timely and complete delivery of materials in accordance with operational and project requirements.
• Actively manage relationships across engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve material issues and respond to demand changes.
• Manage inventory, minimize obsolete stock, and establish safety stock levels for critical materials.
• Deliver functional KPIs focused on cost, cash flow, quality, and service.
• Reduce invoice queries and support resolution.
• Assist with ad hoc tasks and project work as required.
• Perform any other duties as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Extensive procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of achieving cost reductions.
• Experience managing high-level supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in MRP/ERP systems for supply chain and inventory management.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong internal relationships.
• Ability to work under pressure and proactively solve problems.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification.
• CIPS Level 4 preferred.
• Full UK driving license.

About Ford & Stanley group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas - recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

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Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Services advertised by Ford & Stanley are that of an employment consultancy business