Job Summary:
The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and managing materials, components, and services that support both manufacturing, after sales and new product introduction (NPI) activities in a production environment. This role requires close coordination with engineering and production teams to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality supply of goods to meet production and development schedules.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
1. Procurement & Sourcing
* Source and procure raw materials, fabricated parts, mechanical and electrical components, and packaging required for production equipment or products.
* Identify and develop reliable suppliers aligned with organisational quality, delivery, cost and sustainability objectives.
* Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation and make sourcing recommendations.
* Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company procurement policies and audit requirements.
2. Price Negotiation & Cost Management
* Conduct detailed cost analysis and negotiate pricing, payment terms, and contracts to achieve cost targets.
* Track market trends in metals, plastics, components, and logistics costs to support budgeting and cost forecasts.
* Partner with engineering and production teams on BOM accuracy, and cost-reduction initiatives.
* Maintain supplier price lists and ensure timely cost updates in the ERP system.
3. Supply Chain & Supplier Development
* Build long-term relationships with strategic suppliers for consistent quality, reliability, and innovation.
* Develop supplier performance evaluations focusing on KPIs for quality, delivery, cost, and service.
* Drive supplier capability improvement to support production scaling and new product launches.
* Identify and onboard local suppliers to support localisation and sustainability goals.
4. Inventory & Material Management
* Maintain optimal stock levels through effective demand forecasting and inventory control through supporting stock takes.
* Collaborate with production manager to align purchasing with material requirements planning (MRP).
* Monitor lead times and adjust purchasing strategies to minimize production downtime.
* Analyse obsolete and surplus materials and coordinate disposition or reallocation.
5. Invoice & Transaction Management
* Validate supplier invoices against purchase orders and goods receipts for accuracy.
* Resolve discrepancies with finance and suppliers in a timely manner.
* Support audits and maintain accurate documentation for all procurement transactions.
* Ensure supplier payments are processed per agreed terms to maintain good supplier relationships.
6. New Product Introduction (NPI) Support
* Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and project management teams on sourcing for new product development.
* Identify and qualify new suppliers and materials for prototype and pilot builds.
* Manage pre-production procurement activities and ensure material availability for NPI builds.
* Track procurement timelines and support the transition from prototype to mass production.
* Provide cost inputs for NPI project budgets and assist in design-for-cost reviews as part of NPI stage gate review.
7. Cross-functional Collaboration
* Work closely with engineering, production, logistics, and quality teams to ensure material readiness and smooth production flow.
* Communicate supply issues proactively and develop recovery plans with internal and external stakeholders.
* Participate in cross-functional meetings to address material constraints and project milestones.
* Support after sales part requests for customers and the sales team
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
· 3 years of procurement experience in manufacturing
* Experience supporting NPI or project-based sourcing.
* Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAGE, Catalyst).
* Knowledge of mechanical and fabricated components, castings, hydraulics, or electronic controls (depending on product type).
* Strong commercial, analytical, and negotiation skills.
Desired
* Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or CIPS certification
Key Competencies
* Strategic sourcing and cost optimization
* Supplier development and performance management
* Cross-functional collaboration and communication
* Inventory and material control
* NPI and project procurement management
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
* Ethical and transparent procurement practices
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Bereavement leave
* Canteen
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person