Senior Buyer
£42,000 - £48,000 per annum
Direct Applicants Only - No Agency
Please note this is a fully on-site role, Full time Monday to Friday, due to the requirement to attend in person daily meetings and briefings.
Main purpose of the role:
As a Senior Buyer you will coordinate the purchasing of goods, raw materials and equipment oversees as well as domestic taking into account price, quality and delivery to ensure the company's operational needs are met.
Your role will be critical in maintaining inventory levels to ensure we are getting the best price for the products we need. You will work alongside the planning team to drive stock optimisation, be focused on cost saving opportunities and continuous improvement to maintain technically compliant supply. Actively work with existing suppliers to further develop business relationships whilst ensuring all legal aspects of procurement are followed.
You will be required to liaise directly with our Sales and Commercial teams, being the interface between procurement and sales, source raw materials and finished product for new/existing customers, have experience identifying gaps in the market, along with tendering/contract renewal and negotiation processes.
You will report directly into the Head of Procurement and be responsible for updating the Senior Leadership Team on departmental KPIs, liaising with internal and external key stakeholders.
Specific Role Responsibilities
As a Senior Buyer, you will be working Monday to Friday to:
- Research, analyse and forecast current and future buying trends, markets, styles, and products with attention to specified target and demographics
- Researching new markets, products, and manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on sustainability
- Identify quality standards and ensuring that all products meet those standards
- Negotiating with suppliers to agree prices, quantities, delivery schedules and exclusivity deals
- Ensure all required legislation and requirements are met in line with import/export and post Brexit requirements
- Develop and maintain relationships with wholesalers and suppliers
- Negotiate terms of contract with wholesalers and suppliers
- Oversee administration of all agreements
- Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets
- Responsible for mentoring/coaching a team of 2 buyers
- Planning production schedules with MPS/MRP
- Experience of Repeaters, Runners Strangers
- Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organisation
- Check performance, quality and legal compliance of your suppliers and facilitate the solving of any problems that occur
- Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements
- Support the implementation of Key Projects
- Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships
- Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures
- Conduct research for new components and suppliers
- Collaborate with suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues
- Look to drive a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation, with an emphasis on embracing technology to maximise efficiency
- Ensure housekeeping within work area is maintained at the highest-level ensuring adherence to required standards at all times
- Ensure and maintain a safe working environment by adherence to HSE requirements
- To conduct or assist with any duties as deemed necessary in connection with the business
Knowledge / Skills / Experience
Essential:
- Previous experience in dealing with the Far East
- Management of a team
- Experience in a similar role, including import/export and post Brexit requirements
- Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal and influencing skills
- Able to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and achieve set targets
- Previous experience of working in a purchasing team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Experience of working closely with suppliers
- An aptitude for figures and the ability to manage a budget
- Financial and accounting knowledge for calculating margins, gross profit and discounts
- Keen attention to detail and accuracy
- An understanding of Supply Chain Management and Logistics
- Excellent computer skills and knowledge of spreadsheets, presentation software and other stock management software and systems
- Excellent attention to detail and high standards for quality control
- Planning experience with MPS/MRP
Desirable:
- Degree or equivalent in Business, Accounting or Marketing
- CIPS