Buyer – Job Description
Job Title: Buyer
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per year
Job Summary
We are a well-established, close-knit company specialising in the design and manufacture of high-quality, customer-specific sensors used across a wide range of industries and applications. We are looking for an experienced Buyer who enjoys a hands-one role and wants the opportunity to make a real difference. This is not simply a purchasing administration position – you will have the opportunity to take ownership of existing function, shapes how it operates and introduce your own ideas.
A Buyer is responsible for purchasing raw materials, components, consumables, and components required for manufacturing operations. This role ensures materials are available on time, at the right quality and competitive cost, while maintaining appropriate inventory levels. Buyer works closely with production, engineering, quality and accounts team and may support inventory control, supplier development, and logistics activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Raise and process purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with company procedures.
- Monitor open purchase orders and expedite deliveries when required. Keep internal stakeholders informed of all changes.
- Source goods and services from approved suppliers, actively seeking the best overall commercial value by negotiating prices, payment terms, delivery schedules, and other commercial conditions.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure continuity of supply, quality, and competitive pricing.
- Monitor trend and regularly review supplier pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
- Work closely with the Accounts Payable team to ensure supplier invoices are matched to purchase orders and goods received, resolving invoice and pricing discrepancies promptly.
- Investigate and explain purchase price variances, ensuring differences between purchase order prices, invoice prices, and standard costs are identified, understood, and resolved.
- Communicate supplier price changes, rebates, credit notes, and changes to commercial terms promptly to the Finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve purchasing, delivery, and payment issues efficiently.
- Ensure purchasing records, supplier information, and pricing data are maintained accurately within the ERP system.
- Support month-end activities by resolving outstanding purchase order and invoice queries and providing information required by Finance.
- Monitor supplier performance against agreed quality, cost, and delivery targets and take appropriate action when performance falls below expectations.
Qualifications
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- 2–5 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Skills and Competencies
- Procurement and supplier negotiation
- Inventory and materials planning
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Good organizational and time management skills
- Effective communication and relationship-building
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
