Gentex Corporation is looking for a Senior Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in Haydock, Merseyside.
Salary: £40,000-£46,000 / Monday - Thursday 08:00 - 16:30, Friday 08:00 - 13:00
What You'll Be Doing
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Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories.
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Lead supplier sourcing, RFQs and tender activities to achieve the best balance of cost, quality, delivery and risk.
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Negotiate pricing, contracts and long-term supplier agreements.
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Identify cost reduction, cost avoidance and value engineering opportunities.
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Build and manage strong relationships with strategic suppliers.
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Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and lead supplier improvement initiatives.
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Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation plans.
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Raise and manage purchase orders using the ERP system while maintaining accurate supplier, procurement and contract master data.
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Resolve supplier issues relating to delivery, quality, shortages and pricing.
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Support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects through early supplier engagement.
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Work collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Planning, Manufacturing, Quality and Finance to support business objectives.
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Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes and supplier performance.
What We're Looking For
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At least five years' procurement or purchasing experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
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Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier selection and contract negotiation.
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Strong commercial negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
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Experience managing supplier performance and driving continuous improvement.
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Understanding of procurement best practice, commercial contracts and supply chain risk management.
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Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP experience is advantageous).
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Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven commercial decisions.
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Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.
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High level of commercial awareness and business acumen.
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Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to play a key role in shaping our supply chain strategy. Working alongside the Procurement Manager, you'll lead strategic sourcing activities, develop strong supplier partnerships, negotiate commercial agreements and help ensure continuity of supply across our specialist manufacturing business. You'll also collaborate with Commodity Managers across the wider Gentex Enterprise, supporting consolidated sourcing initiatives and helping deliver global procurement strategies where appropriate.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
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MCIPS qualified or actively working towards MCIPS.
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Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes.
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Knowledge of inventory management and manufacturing supply chains.
Personal Attributes
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We're looking for someone who is:
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Commercially minded with a strategic approach to procurement.
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A confident negotiator who can influence and build lasting supplier relationships.
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Proactive, organised and able to manage competing priorities.
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Comfortable working independently while collaborating across multiple departments.
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Resilient, solutions-focused and committed to continuous improvement.
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Professional, ethical and able to build trust with both internal and external stakeholders.
Why Join Gentex?
At Gentex, you'll join a collaborative team where procurement plays a vital role in supporting innovation, operational excellence and business growth. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategic sourcing decisions, develop supplier partnerships and contribute to the success of a global manufacturing organisation while continuing to develop your own career.
