Manufacturing Buyer We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Manufacturing Buyer to join our Supply Chain team at our Vantage Point office in Snodland, reporting to the Head of Supply Chain and Customer Services. This is a hybrid role, offering a mix of office-based and remote working. This role is ideal for someone with strong purchasing experience who thrives on building supplier relationships, negotiating costs, and ensuring materials are available to meet production demand. You will play a key role in maintaining supply chain efficiency while driving cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement. Working closely with internal teams including planning, sales, and production, you will ensure stock availability aligns with business needs while maintaining optimal inventory levels. Key Responsibilities · Managing and developing relationships with suppliers in the UK and internationally · Negotiating pricing, contracts, and supplier agreements to achieve best value · Monitoring inventory levels to balance availability and minimise excess stock · Collaborating with planning and sales teams to support forecasting and demand requirements · Reviewing supplier performance and KPIs to drive continuous improvement · Managing demand and logistics to maintain efficient supply chain operations · Ensuring compliance with regulations including REACH, RoHS, and waste packaging requirements · Leading cost reduction initiatives and identifying effective sourcing solutions · Working cross-functionally with internal departments to support business objectives · Supporting shop floor operations to ensure materials meet production needs · Carrying out additional duties as required by the Line Manager What We’re Looking For · Strong negotiation and supplier management skills · Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels · Highly organised with strong time management and attention to detail · Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team · A proactive, solutions-driven approach with strong problem-solving ability · Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities · Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) Experience Essential · Proven experience using MRP/ERP systems · Experience negotiating and managing supplier contracts · Ability to work effectively under pressure · Strong organisational and workload management skills · Minimum 5 years’ experience in a purchasing role Desirable · CIPS qualification or working towards · Experience purchasing raw materials · Experience within a manufacturing environment Why Join Us? You’ll be part of a dynamic and collaborative Supply Chain team where your expertise will directly impact operational efficiency and business success. This is a varied and fast-paced role offering the opportunity to take ownership, influence supplier strategy, and contribute to continuous improvement across the organisation. Equal Opportunities Statement We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. LI-NA1 INDSWE