Supply Chain Specialist

Mane Energy; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering company in Bristol is looking for a Buyer to oversee the procurement cycle and supplier management. This role involves negotiating agreements, managing supplier performance, and collaborating with the planning team to ensure timely material availability for production. A purchasing qualification and experience in a technical field are required, alongside strong analytical skills and proficiency in ERP systems like JD Edwards or SAP.

Qualifications

• Experience in a purchasing function or a purchasing qualification.
• Technical discipline qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage approved suppliers and promote commercial solutions.
• Negotiate Service Level Agreements for various performance metrics.
• Directly manage buyers and set objectives.
• Manage procurement performance metrics.
• Communicate material availability issues to planning team.

Skills

Relationship building

Data analysis

MRP fluency (JD Edwards, SAP, Oracle)

Conflict management

Clear communication

Deadline management

Education

Purchasing qualification (CIPS Level 4) or significant experience

Qualification in a technical discipline (HNC, HND or Degree)

Tools

Excel

ERP systems (JD Edwards, SAP or Oracle)

Job description

Join an engineering company that manufactures micro and nano-structures, with customers using their process solutions to research and produce materials and semiconductors vital for everything from medical devices and diagnostics, to electric cars and quantum computers.

This is a key role within the business and the Supply Chain function, ensuring that their customers receive their products on time, to budget and to the highest quality standards. You will be accountable for the entire cycle of procurement and as Buyer you will be responsible for supplier analysis, supplier management and relevant performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• With the Purchasing Manager, manage approved suppliers and implement commercial solutions for current and future parts and assemblies.
• Negotiate and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for OTIF, cost reduction, inventory management (Consignment, Kanban, Vendor Managed Inventory), lead time reduction, supply risk minimization and inventory exposure, and payment terms.
• Directly manage buyer(s), set objectives, and manage capacity and performance.
• Manage internal procurement performance metrics: order placement, orderbook management, vendor returns, queries and invoices.
• Work closely with the planning team to understand changes in business needs and communicate material availability issues that impact build schedules.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist the Group Category Manager (GCM) to negotiate best commercial terms for the Business Unit.
• Provide input into SLAs and work with GCM on supplier rationalisation and open book pricing for configured products and high-level assemblies.
• Report on delivery and quality performance and KPIs to PM and suppliers.
• Act as primary escalation point for supplier issues, hold regular key supplier reviews, drive supplier improvement, and communicate forecasts/plans to suppliers.
• Participate in supplier assessments and manage new supplier NDAs and questionnaires.
• Ensure all part details including costings and lead times are entered into the company’s ERP system.
• Address purchase price variances on invoices with suppliers and comply with Company and Quality procedures.
• Carry out any tasks reasonably requested by the company.

Education / Qualifications

• Purchasing qualification by experience or education (CIPS Level 4) or significant experience in a purchasing function.
• Qualification in a technical discipline (HNC, HND or Degree).

Professional Skills / Abilities

• Able to build effective relationships.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• MRP fluent, ideally JD Edwards (E1), SAP or Oracle.
• Able to manage conflicting priorities and people.
• Clear and concise communicator.
• Track record in an engineering/production environment driven by challenging deadlines and change management to achieve quality and delivery objectives.