Unleash your potential. Change the game with Gripple.
Were on the hunt for an experienced and motivated Buyer to join our Supply Chain team. This is an exciting opportunity, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, playing a key role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective supply of materials and components into our UK manufacturing operations.
Why Gripple?
Were not just innovatorswere game-changers. Since 1989, Gripple has led the charge in wire joining and suspension systems. As a 100% employee-owned business, we dont just hire talentwe invest in it. Youll be backed by a global infrastructure, a powerhouse support team, and a culture that champions ownership, passion, and performance.
Whats in it for you:
- Share ownership: Buy a stake in Gripple and the GLIDE group and share in our success
- 15% non-contributory pension
- 32 days holiday, increasing with long service
- Private healthcare, family-focused policies, and exceptional benefits that support your wellbeing at every stage
The role:
This is a varied and fast-paced role that will see you managing supplier relationships, supporting new product introductions, leading sourcing activities, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that deliver value to the business.
You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement process, from sourcing and supplier selection through to contract management, performance monitoring, and cost optimisation.
What youll be doing:
- Sourcing materials, components, and services to support manufacturing and business requirements
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Benchmarking suppliers and obtaining quotations to ensure competitive pricing, service, and value
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Leading sourcing activities for new components, working from material specifications, technical requirements, and engineering drawings
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Supporting new product introduction projects through supplier selection, tooling, sampling, and production readiness activities
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Identifying, assessing, and onboarding new suppliers, ensuring compliance with quality, ethical, and performance standards
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Building strong working relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders across Sales & Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Finance
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Negotiating pricing, payment terms, contracts, and service agreements to maximise commercial value and minimise risk
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Conducting cost analysis and identifying opportunities for cost reduction, standardisation, and process improvement
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Monitoring supplier performance against agreed KPIs and service level expectations, driving improvements where required
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Managing supplier risks and supporting business continuity through contingency planning and dual-sourcing initiatives
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Producing and presenting purchasing reports, market analysis, and performance data for internal stakeholders
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Supporting inventory optimisation, supplier lead time improvements, and working capital objectives
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Contributing to continuous improvement projects across the wider Supply Chain function
Who you are:
You will be an organised and self-motivated procurement professional with strong commercial awareness and excellent relationship-building skills. You enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively, and delivering results in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a Buyer, Procurement, Purchasing & Demand Planning or Supply Chain role
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Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
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Ability to interpret technical specifications and engineering drawings
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Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
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Strong communication skills with the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels
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Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure
Desirable
- Experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment
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CIPS qualification or working towards one
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Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) projects
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Knowledge of supplier performance management and strategic sourcing techniques
What you'll bring:
- A proactive and positive attitude
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Strong attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset
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Commercial awareness and sound decision-making skills
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A collaborative approach with a focus on delivering results
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The ability to challenge constructively and identify opportunities for improvement
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking business where you will have the opportunity to make a real impact on supplier performance, cost management, and the ongoing success of our manufacturing operations.
Working hours
Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm. The Company operates a flexible working policy, with office hours of 7.00am-7.00pm Monday-Friday.
The Gripple Spirit
Our values fun, integrity, passion, entrepreneurship, teamwork, innovation arent just words on a wall. They shape everything we do. Join us, and youll experience:
- true work-life balance
- an inclusive and caring workplace where your ideas matter, and your impact is felt globally
Take a closer look:
- Learn more about who we are and how were changing the game: https://www.gripple.com/about-gripple
- Take a tour of our head office at the historic Old West Gun Works in Sheffield, South Yorkshire here
Closing date 7th September 2026. Bring your ambition. Well bring the opportunity.
Join a team where everyone belongs
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued with a sense of belonging. If there are any adjustments that would help your experience with Gripple, please let us know when you apply.
Whilst not mandatory, your completion of the applicant ethic monitoring form will help us monitor and encourage equality and diversity. The information you provide will be anonymous and kept both confidential and separate to your application.
