Senior Buyer (Permanent)
📍 Luton (Butterfield) | 💷 £40,000 – £45,000 | 🏡 1 day WFH
We’re working with a well-established and growing business in the electrical / industrial space, looking to bring in a Senior Buyer to join their Luton team on a permanent basis.
This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced purchasing role with real responsibility. You’ll manage a high‑volume, high‑SKU environment, taking ownership of day‑to‑day purchasing and sourcing activities, supplier relationships, and improvements across contracts, quality, and performance. There’s also scope to step up and support the Head of Purchasing on key initiatives—so it’s a senior role with real impact.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of Procurement, you’ll manage day‑to‑day purchasing and sourcing activity across a broad supplier base, ensuring stock, contracts, and supplier performance are all maintained to a high standard.
This role offers real opportunity to add value, particularly around:
* Managing a high‑SKU, fast‑moving environment (40,000 SKUs, 17,000 in stock)
* Strengthening supplier contracts and agreements
* Driving quality improvements and structured supplier feedback
* Enhancing overall supplier performance and accountability
What You’ll Be Doing
* Day‑to‑day purchasing and sourcing – processing requisitions, placing purchase orders, and ensuring timely deliveries
* Evaluating stock levels and ordering in line with demand forecasts, sales orders, and MRP requirements
* Building and developing strong supplier relationships (UK & international)
* Leading negotiations on pricing, terms, and contracts
* Holding suppliers accountable on quality, delivery, and service levels
* Driving improvements through supplier feedback, corrective actions, and performance reviews
* Supporting contract management and implementing longer‑term agreements
* Resolving supply issues, delays, and discrepancies proactively
* Collaborating closely with Sales, Warehouse, and Finance teams
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience in a purchasing / buying role within manufacturing or distribution
* Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, high‑volume, high‑SKU environment
* Strong supplier management, negotiation, and contract experience
* Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Excel
* Exposure to electrical / cabling products or similar technical product ranges is advantageous
* CIPS qualified or working towards (desirable)
* Confident to step up and support the Head of Purchasing on senior workload
The Person
* Hands‑on, proactive, and solutions‑focused
* Strong attention to detail with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
* Confident communicator who can challenge and influence suppliers
* Resilient and calm under pressure
* Takes ownership and enjoys improving processes and performance
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