MRD Recruitment is delighted to be recruiting a Buyer on behalf of our manufacturing client for a 6-month contract, based in West Lothian. To be considered for the role you must be available immediately. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and commercially smart Buyer to join a growing supply chain team in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for the sourcing and procurement of goods and services, ensuring value for money, quality, and delivery performance. This role plays a critical part in supporting production schedules, maintaining stock levels, and developing supplier relationships to support long-term business goals. Key Responsibilities Procurement of Materials & Services Source and purchase direct and indirect materials, components, and services required for production and business operations. Supplier Management Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships. Monitor and evaluate supplier performance in terms of cost, quality, and delivery. Negotiation & Cost Saving Negotiate prices, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve the best possible commercial outcomes for the business. Inventory Management Support Collaborate with planning and logistics teams to ensure correct inventory levels are maintained and deliveries are scheduled appropriately. Forecasting & Demand Planning Work with internal departments (Production, Planning, Engineering) to ensure supply plans meet forecasted demands and schedules. Contract Management Assist with the creation, execution, and review of procurement contracts and supplier agreements. Data Management & Reporting Maintain accurate purchasing records and generate reports on purchasing activities, price variances, and savings. Compliance & Ethical Sourcing Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies and external regulations, promoting sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. Required Education & Experience Proven experience in a Buyer or Procurement Officer role within a manufacturing or industrial environment Strong understanding of purchasing principles, cost structures, and supply chain fundamentals Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills Core Competencies Negotiation & Commercial Acumen Skilled in negotiating contracts and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and value improvement Supplier Relationship Management Builds trust-based, long-term supplier relationships and ensures supplier accountability Analytical Thinking Interprets and analyses purchasing data to support strategic decisions Planning & Prioritisation Balances multiple procurement tasks while meeting deadlines and ensuring timely deliveries Attention to Detail Ensures purchasing accuracy and prevents costly procurement errors This is a great opportunity for a detail-oriented, proactive Buyer looking to join a progressive manufacturing company. If you're looking to develop your procurement career within a supportive and professional environment, we'd love to hear from you.