About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to join our team. This is a hands-on purchasing role that combines strategic supplier and stock management with day-to-day operational buying. You'll be responsible for ensuring production never runs short of materials, while keeping stock levels lean and cash tied up in inventory to a minimum.
You'll take ownership of the full purchasing cycle — from MRP-driven ordering and supplier negotiation, to managing stock transitions for new product introductions, to overseeing the quality and risk profile of our supplier base. You will also manage one Buying Administrator, supporting their development while relying on them to keep routine ordering and order-chasing on track.
Key Responsibilities
Production Supply & Stock Control
- Use MRP outputs and purchasing reports to place orders that prevent production shortages, while balancing order quantities to secure the best pricing without over-investing in stock
- Continuously review order volumes and timing to strike the right balance between cost, lead time, and cash flow
- Prioritise effectively, identifying genuine urgent requirements and potential shortages quickly, and taking decisive action when needed — while working to minimise the amount of reactive "firefighting" required through better forward planning
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Manage all buying activity related to the introduction of new products
- Plan and manage the phase-out of existing stock alongside the phase-in of new stock to avoid excess, obsolete inventory or supply gaps
Quality & Change Management
- Manage the buying-related aspects of Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), liaising with suppliers and internal stakeholders as required
Supplier Management
- Identify, monitor, and manage supplier risk, including single-source supply situations, and work to develop alternative/dual-sourcing options where appropriate
- Conduct regular reviews of suppliers and parts to ensure ongoing best value in terms of quality and price
- Monitor supplier performance (e.g. on-time-in-full delivery, lead times, quality) as part of the ongoing review process
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements (including payment terms, minimum order quantities, and call-off/blanket orders) with suppliers
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers
- Manage component obsolescence, working with Engineering to identify and action end-of-life parts
Cross-Functional Working
- Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, and Quality teams to align purchasing activity with day-to-day operational needs
- Attend production/shortage meetings as required to keep purchasing informed and responsive to live requirements
Team Management
- Manage and support one Buying Administrator/Junior Buyer, who will be responsible for chasing overdue orders, placing consumables and non-stock item orders, and supporting wider buying activity based on reports and MRP suggestions
- Provide guidance, oversight, and development support to help them grow in the role
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in a buying/procurement role, ideally within a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong working knowledge of MRP systems and purchasing reports
- Experience using ERP/purchasing systems; experience with Solvitt (EDSL UK) is an advantage but not essential
- Demonstrable experience managing stock levels while balancing cost, availability, and cash flow
- Experience supporting or managing new product introduction from a supply chain perspective
- Familiarity with ECN and NCR processes from a purchasing standpoint
- Strong supplier relationship management skills, including managing supply risk and negotiating terms
- Excellent prioritisation skills, with the ability to distinguish genuine urgency from routine tasks
- A proactive mindset, with the resilience to react quickly and effectively when issues do arise
- Experience managing or mentoring a junior team member is desirable
- Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Willingness to undertake occasional supplier site visits as required
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable but not essential
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
