Overview
The Buyer plays a key role in ensuring Hutchinson Engineering maintains a reliable, cost‑effective, and high‑quality supply base across designated material categories. This role blends tactical purchasing execution with strategic supplier management, market awareness, and continuous improvement.
Main Purpose of Role
To manage assigned commodities and suppliers to ensure continuity of supply, best value, and alignment with production, quality, and customer delivery requirements. The role includes responsibility for purchasing operations, supplier performance, data accuracy, and departmental development.
Key Responsibilities
Commodity & Purchasing Management
- Manage designated commodities including section steel, fabricated components, and consumables.
- Purchase goods and services that deliver best value for money.
- Ensure materials and services are ordered in time to meet customer delivery dates and production schedules.
- Monitor inbound deliveries and ensure goods are received on time and in the required condition.
- Maintain accurate purchasing data within Business Central and support improvements to purchasing workflows.
Supplier Performance & Development
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Implement supplier performance reporting, KPIs, and scorecards.
- Support supplier development initiatives including quality improvements, cost‑down projects, and lead‑time optimisation.
Quality & Technical Requirements
- Apply knowledge of section‑metal grading and steel specifications.
- Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure purchased materials meet technical standards.
Continuous Improvement
- Suggest and implement best‑practice solutions within the purchasing department.
- Contribute to developing systems, processes, and reporting structures.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Adhere to all Hutchinson Engineering Health & Safety requirements.
- Ensure ethical sourcing and compliance with company policies.
Core Competencies
Communication
Anticipates and resolves conflict constructively; influences through clear, logical communication; provides timely and constructive feedback.
Teamwork
Creates positive team spirit; listens actively; supports colleagues to achieve shared objectives.
Initiative
Defines and implements new processes; drives improvements; takes positive action even in challenging situations.
Adaptability
Adjusts plans to meet business needs; communicates change effectively; supports others through change.
Customer Focus
Understands and anticipates customer needs; incorporates customer requirements into purchasing decisions; monitors service quality.
Innovation
Encourages creativity; supports implementation of innovative solutions; promotes sharing of ideas across teams.
Personnel Specification
Essential Criteria
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Strong analytical and decision‑making skills.
- Experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Effective negotiation and supplier‑relationship skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Flexible approach to work and willingness to support wider operational tasks.
- Clean driving licence.
- Willing to Complete CIPS Level
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
