Job Summary
Buyer / Procurement Specialist – Leicester, East Midlands – £17.31 per hour – Full‑time ongoing temporary.
Role Overview
We are seeking a proactive and detail‑driven Buyer / Procurement Specialist to join a fast‑paced Supply Chain team. The role focuses on managing material availability, optimising supplier performance, and supporting operational excellence across the business.
Key Responsibilities
Material & Order Management
* Evaluate and act upon MRP requirements, generating and adjusting purchase orders to meet demand levels.
* Input, maintain, and update ERP transactions to ensure data accuracy and system integrity.
* Handle quotes, place POs, and follow up with suppliers, managing PO‑related issues and schedule changes.
* Expedite and de‑expedite materials to maintain optimal inventory levels.
Supplier Management & Communication
* Communicate forecast requirements clearly to suppliers while maintaining strong, collaborative relationships.
* Objectively measure and report supplier performance to support continuous improvement.
* Work closely with Suppliers, Quality, Strategic Sourcing, and Engineering to resolve quality, delivery, and cost issues quickly.
* Manage challenging or sensitive supplier conversations with professionalism and confidence.
Inventory, Cost & Process Improvement
* Drive increased inventory turns, reduced cycle times, and improved customer OTD through pull‑based replenishment processes, including VMI and consignment stock.
* Support initiatives to eliminate excess and obsolete stock and rationalise similar parts.
* Participate in Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen events to reduce waste and improve performance across the supply chain.
Cross Functional Support
* Provide effective support to New Product Introduction (NPI) teams, proposal development, and subcontracting opportunities.
* Ensure timely resolution of shipping discrepancies, receiving errors, invoice issues, and PO adjustments.
* Engender a spirit of cooperation across the supply chain to ensure responsiveness to customer needs.
Skills & Competencies
* Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and fact‑based decision‑making skills.
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively under pressure.
* Confident negotiator with the ability to manage complex or sensitive discussions.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels.
* A positive, resilient, can‑do attitude with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Quick thinker with sound judgement in fast‑moving environments.
Experience & Qualifications
* Relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply‑chain operations is essential.
* Previous experience in a Buyer or similar operational procurement role is strongly preferred.
* Engineering or manufacturing background is strongly preferred.
* Experience working with ERP systems (SAP desirable) and managing POs in a fast‑paced environment.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, MS Project).
* Undergraduate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or related field (preferred but not essential).
* Supply Chain or CIPS certification is highly desirable.
* Understanding of procurement and supply‑chain processes, inventory control concepts, safety stock, replenishment, and VMI (advantageous).
* Willingness to learn, develop, and take ownership of initiatives with moderate scope and impact.
Benefits
£17.31 per hour plus pension. This role offers a great opportunity to influence supplier performance and drive meaningful improvements whilst working within a collaborative, cross‑functional environment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr