Senior Buyer
Location: Bristol (Hybrid Working)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week)
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Robert Half are working with a business within the manufacturing sector who are seeking a experienced Senior Buyer to join its established procurement team.
The Role
As Senior Buyer, you will manage the procurement of materials, components, and services to support manufacturing operations. You will ensure continuity of supply, drive cost optimisation, and maintain high levels of quality and supplier performance.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Raising purchase orders in line with internal procedures
2. Issuing RFQs, analysing quotations, and recommending best commercial and technical options
3. Negotiating with suppliers on pricing, terms, and delivery
4. Maintaining quarterly supplier performance reports
5. Conducting supplier visits to assess capability, capacity, and ethical standards
6. Identifying and onboarding new suppliers to reduce single-source risk
7. Managing shipping requests and associated administrative tasks
8. Monitoring stock levels, demand, and safety stock requirements
9. Updating BOM pricing and making approved online purchases
10. Maintaining supplier certificates and compliance documents
11. Preparing weekly inventory reports
12. Tracking supplier delivery schedules and escalating concerns
13. Analysing delivery and quality trends and implementing corrective actions
14. Training and supporting junior purchasing staff
15. Ensuring compliance with procurement policies and professional standards (including CIPS Code of Conduct)
About You
Person Specification
16. Purchasing experience ideally within a manufacturing environment
17. Strong organisational and documentation skills
18. Competent in writing, reading, and following procedures
19. Excellent communication skills
20. Working knowledge of Office 365 and Business Central
21. High attention to detail
22. Ability to mentor or train junior team members
23. CIPS Level 4 (or working towards it)
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.