Buyer / Senior Buyer

Buyer / Senior Buyer - Industrial Manufacturing

Our client is looking to engage an experienced and pro-active Buyer / Senior Buyer to join their Purchasing team. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager you will be responsible for managing the procurement of materials and services, maintaining supplier relationships and driving cost-saving initiatives. You will work closely with internal departments to meet material requirements and ensure supply chain performance aligns with company expectations.

Buyer / Senior Buyer - Main Responsibilities:

• Raise and amend purchase orders via SAP, ensuring alignment with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system demands.
• Update and maintain accurate material pricing in SAP, ensuring records are current and reflect the latest agreements.
• Liaise and maintain strong communication with suppliers, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Negotiate prices, terms, and conditions with suppliers to ensure the best possible value for the company.
• Monitor and manage On-Time In-Full (OTIF) expectations from suppliers, addressing any issues that arise.
• Prepare formal tenders via the Request for Quotation (RFQ) and New Product Development (NPD) processes, ensuring competitive pricing and service.
• Lead and participate in process improvement initiatives, working towards streamlining procurement operations.
• Drive savings initiatives, striving to meet or exceed annual cost-saving targets.
• Handle and resolve invoice discrepancies, supplier queries, and internal concerns in a timely and efficient manner.
• Provide detailed and prompt responses to internal and external customer concerns, following established procedures.

Buyer / Senior Buyer - Skills & Experience

• Previous experience working as a Buyer / Senior Buyer within an industrial manufacturing environment
• Hold or be studying towards CIPS qualification (Level 5 minimum required for Senior Buyer)
• SAP experience would be highly desirable
• Self-motivated with the ability to work on your own initiative
• Ability to build and manage strong working relationships
• Ability to identify both short-term savings and longer-term opportunities to add value
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to leverage cost savings whilst maintaining service levels