Assistant Buyer jobs in United Kingdom

Location: Sheffield

We are working in partnership with a leading engineering organisation that supports the iron and steel sector. They are seeking an experienced Buyer to join their dynamic procurement team in Sheffield. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a business that delivers high-quality solutions across complex supply chains.

As Buyer, you will be responsible for managing the procurement of goods and services to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets. This includes developing procurement strategies, sourcing and assessing suppliers, negotiating contracts, placing purchase orders, and managing supplier performance to support business objectives.

Technical understanding and CAD literacy would be highly beneficial in this role, especially when working closely with engineering teams and suppliers on product development, manufacturability, and specification alignment.

• Develop procurement strategies aligned with business goals to support commercial success
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities that enhance competitive advantage

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Monitor performance and resolve supply issues proactively
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the supply base

• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, and delivery
• Lead structured sourcing and tendering processes
• Negotiate contracts to optimise commercial outcomes
• Manage purchase orders and supplier risk

• Collaborate with internal teams including Sales, Engineering, and Quality to ensure procurement supports wider business needs
• Translate technical requirements into clear supplier expectations
• Guide and support Assistant Buyers to deliver strategic and operational procurement services

• Strategic thinking with the ability to tailor procurement strategies for complex supply chains
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier capabilities
• Experience in quality management and embedding standards into supplier contracts
• Proven ability to lead tendering and negotiation processes
• Highly organised with strong planning and attention to detail
• Clear communicator with the ability to distil complex information
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; SAP experience is desirable
• Strong problem‑solving skills to ensure timely delivery

• Knowledge of contract law and commercial risk management
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD files confidently
• Comfortable discussing tolerances, materials, and manufacturing methods with suppliers and technical teams
• Confident decision‑maker under pressure

• Several years of procurement experience, ideally within engineering or manufacturing
• Proven track record of delivering results

• Background in engineering, manufacturing, or quality
• International experience or exposure to diverse cultures
• Professional qualifications in Procurement (CIPS), Engineering, or Manufacturing
• Hands‑on experience with CAD tools or technical documentation is a strong advantage

• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally, sometimes at short notice

Our client fosters a collaborative and accountable working environment. They value individuals who take ownership, work well with others, and deliver practical solutions. You’ll be joining a team that thrives on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market‑leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.