Strategic Buyer

At Universal Wolf, we are experts in complex metal fabrication. We build long-term partnerships with demanding customers who share our ambition to take on the toughest challenges.

Purpose of position

Ownership of all Sourcing and Procurement activities for Universal Wolf as well as overall transport costs – both customers and suppliers routes.

Primarily identifying appropriate vendors, securing competitive quotations and ultimately winning new business awards. On-going review and action to maintain sourcing decisions to satisfy cost, quality and security of supply that underpin business awards as well as generating the standard Bill of Materials Cost as the baseline at production launch.

Supporting Operations and Production, make sure that purchased goods are bought on time, in full to the right quality standards and are affordable. This role must balance the avoidance of production stoppages due to material not being available with minimising material spend and minimising inventory levels. Responsible for ensuring that the most cost effective and appropriate materials / supply chain are used and purchased, including supplier selection, management and pricing negotiations.

Profile

1. Understanding of procurement best practice
2. Knowledge of strategic sourcing and advanced procurement tools & techniques
3. Manufacturing background in a low / medium volume environment
4. Previous experience working within a purchasing function using an MRP/ERP system
5. Previous experience working with suppliers to improve cost, quality and other performance measures
6. Good knowledge of purchasing, negotiation and costing breakdown

Core competencies and skills:

1. Good interpersonal skills with strong internal and external communication skills
2. Independent thinker and able to work as part of a team
3. Ability to meet deadlines and to prioritise workload to meet business needs
4. Understanding of “challenge and be challenged”
5. Good problem-solving skills
6. Ability to adapt to core requirements of the business when required
7. Excellent negotiation skills with proven ability to secure the best terms with suppliers