Senior Buyer

Godiva Limited; Warwick-on-Eden; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in fire pumps is seeking a Senior Buyer to enhance procurement excellence and lead team members. Based in Warwick, you will drive strategic initiatives, manage supplier relationships, and optimize inventory levels. Ideal candidates will have experience in low-volume, high-mix environments, excellent negotiation skills, and a strong commitment to professional growth. A hybrid working opportunity is offered, along with a competitive salary ranging from £45,000 to £55,000 per annum.

Benefits

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Opportunity for career advancement

Supportive environment for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Buyer or similar procurement role.
• Strong background in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing.
• Must be able to prioritize and multitask effectively.

Responsibilities

• Run and action MRP messages; responsible for Purchase Orders.
• Manage Supplier relationships by conducting weekly meetings.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Leadership capabilities

Inventory management best practices

Problem solving

Communication skills

Tools

Purchasing systems

Excel

Job description

Godiva Ltd is a global leader in the design and manufacture of fire pumps and emergency response equipment, with a proud heritage dating back to 1878. Based in Warwick, UK, and part of the IDEX Corporation, Godiva serves fire and rescue services across the world with innovative, high-performance solutions. With a strong focus on engineering excellence, customer support, and hands‑on training, Godiva offers a dynamic and purpose‑driven environment for those passionate about safety, technology, and making a real‑world impact.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Buyer to join our procurement team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in low‑volume, high‑mix environments, where agility, precision, and strategic thinking are key. You will play a pivotal role in driving procurement excellence, mentoring team members, and contributing to the long‑term success and growth of the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Run and action MRP messages; responsible for the placement of Purchase Orders
• Process NCN’s and raise debit note with Suppliers
• Resolve invoice queries and supplier disputes
• Weekly Management of Supplier open order books foster supplier relationship to ensure timely delivery ensuring JDE is maintained with latest information
• Serves as system subject matter expert for department
• Manages the most strategic raw material suppliers for the business (80’s parts Items – Pareto categorised)
• Manage Supplier relationships by conducting weekly meetings with key Suppliers
• Leads and facilitates the ongoing root cause and corrective action process for part shortages
• Ability to influence both internal and external key stakeholders
• Manage Inventory levels to optimise stock turns including leading and facilitating ongoing inventory reviews including safety stock and excess and obsolete inventory
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.
• Provides ongoing support to purchasing team for analysis of inventory and purchasing data
• Mentor and support buyers, fostering a culture of development and collaboration.
• Promote a team attitude encouraging communication and sharing of information including cross functionally.
• Serves on cross functional teams that require purchasing support
• Develops and maintains department policies, procedures, and playbooks
• Contribute to strategic planning and succession initiatives within the team.
• Deputise for the Purchasing Manager as required

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience as a Senior Buyer or similar procurement role.
• Strong background in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing or operational environments.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop others.
• An experienced professional with a hands‑on mentality.
• Experience in managing phasing in and out of material supply due to new product introductions, product end of life, etc.
• Strong experience with inventory management best practices including Plan for Every Part methodology and standard Safety Stock calculations
• Must be able to prioritize and multitask. Use 8020/Pareto approach to assess and prioritize purchasing activities and opportunities
• Confident in leading teams and projects with demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Strong experience with 8020 methodology/ Pareto
• Strategic mindset with a passion for process improvement and team growth.
• Ambition for career progression and a desire to take on increasing responsibility.
• A can do attitude
• A natural problem solver
• Concise and influential communicator
• Good knowledge of purchasing systems and processes
• Strong excel skills
• Has worked in an environment where supply is driven by forecasting and medium to long term planning

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to shape the future of the procurement function.
• Supportive environment for professional development and career advancement.
• Hybrid working opportunity
• Working with globalised teams
• 25 Days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per annum (depending on experience)

This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be reviewed in the future depending on operational requirements and staffing levels.

Sadly, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK.

Job Family: Operations

Business Unit: Godiva