Joining the Purchasing team and reporting to the Supply Chain Team Leader, the Buyer will be responsible for executing the supply chain strategy, developing and driving strong risk mitigated supply partnerships, to ensure the delivery of quality products and services on plan, at the lowest cost of ownership. Opportunities for learning and development within the role to progress within the team.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage the procurement activities for an engineering-based supplier portfolio.
* Develop and drive strong supply partnerships identifying opportunities to climb the value chain and maximise value add to deliver a high performing agile supply chain network.
* Drive a culture of continuous improvement in all that we do.
* Executing regular business reviews, examining performance, and setting improvement goals to meet functional objectives.
* Perform regular risk assessments and supplier audits, validating suppliers and their investments to ensure that our combined business directions remain convergent.
* Deploy problem solving techniques to drive a step change in supplier performance and resolve issues at a root cause level.
* Identify and develop new supply sources capable of meeting our demanding specifications and commercial needs.
* Facilitate the introduction of new parts, adapting the supply chain to support emerging needs.
* Prepare Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Quotation (RFQ) documentation.
* Execute change, managing the process of engagement, disengagement and change management.
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Strong analytically with good IT skills and a working knowledge of using MRP/ERP systems.
* Previous experience in a similar role dealing with engineering manufacturers and an understanding of supply chain processes within the manufacturing sector.
Desirable
* Experienced in technical, engineering and machined part buying with the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and understand associated manufacturing processes is strongly desired.
* Experience of working within integrated project management teams.
* Knowledge of forming and constructing contracts and NDAs for new suppliers is highly desirable.
* Working towards CIPS level 4 or above. Opportunities for support with further qualifications are available.
Personal Attributes
* Good negotiation skills to work with suppliers and make challenges to suppliers where appropriate to achieve the best price outcome.
* An analytical mindset to review data and use it to assist in making informed decisions and aid the negotiation process.
* Proactive, able to plan, organise, execute, and monitor performance across the supply chain, driving for results.
* Resilient, agile, and adaptable to changing priorities. Able to operate under pressure, multitask and deliver to exacting timescales.
Work life balance:
* 37.5 hour working week
* Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
* Office based role with elements of flexibility to work from home where appropriate
* 28 days annual leave
* Christmas closure
* Holiday purchasing scheme
Security Clearance Requirements:
Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years