Strategic Buyer – MRP & Supplier Relations

IMI; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

IMI plc is seeking a Buyer to join the Purchasing Team. You will source components and services, manage supplier relationships and protect production schedules in line with MRP.

The role requires collaboration across departments to ensure timely delivery, quality and cost targets are met. You will contribute to stock optimization and inventory reduction while maintaining accurate lead times and supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar Purchasing role within a manufacturing/engineering environment.
• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems.
• Experience with pull systems, Kanban, etc.
• Ability to read engineering drawings.
• Progress toward a professional purchasing qualification (CIPS) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Purchase components in line with MRP requirements and approved requests.
• Ensure OTIF (on-time in-full) delivery targets are met.
• Review and act on MRP rescheduling needs and optimize stock patterns.
• Negotiate with suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Communicate delivery dates and pricing to internal customers.
• Expedite outstanding orders to prevent production delays.
• Visit suppliers to assess capabilities and build relationships.
• Support inventory reduction and lean improvements.

Skills

MRP/ERP systems

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Excel

Reading engineering drawings

Education

CIPS qualification (purchasing)

Tools

Excel

Job description

IMI plc is seeking a Buyer to join the Purchasing Team. You will source components and services, manage supplier relationships and protect production schedules in line with MRP.

The role requires collaboration across departments to ensure timely delivery, quality and cost targets are met. You will contribute to stock optimization and inventory reduction while maintaining accurate lead times and supplier performance.