Job Description
Buyer
Purchasing Department
The Business
The business was founded in 2015 as a spin‑out from The University of Oxford and designs and manufactures revolutionary flow control valves. This disruptive technology is currently deployed globally in water & gas distribution networks, oil & gas processes, and other industrial applications. Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) represent a £5bn sector of the global £70bn valve and actuator market.
The Role
The Buyer will support the delivery of an efficient and commercially focused procurement function, ensuring the timely and cost‑effective supply of materials and services. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, the role will contribute to supplier performance management, operational continuity, and ongoing process improvement within the purchasing function.
Key Responsibilities
* Support procurement activities to ensure continuity of supply and alignment with production requirements
* Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, ensuring strong communication and performance management
* Ensure purchasing activities comply with internal policies, procedures, and quality standards
* Monitor supplier performance, including delivery schedules, quality, and cost, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
* Manage purchase orders and ensure accurate and timely processing through the MRP system
* Track and expedite orders to ensure materials are delivered in line with production schedules
* Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, communicating any potential disruptions to relevant stakeholders
* Maintain accurate records of delivery schedules, stock levels, and procurement data
* Collaborate the Logistics, production and stock control teams to ensure efficient stock control and material flow
* Support the resolution of supplier‑related issues including pricing, quality, and delivery discrepancies
* Contribute to the monitoring and reporting of purchasing KPIs
Skills & Experience
* Previous experience in a purchasing or procurement role within a manufacturing or production environment
* Working knowledge of MRP systems and stock control processes
* Strong commercial awareness with the ability to support negotiation and supplier management activities
* Excellent organisational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships internally and externally
* Proactive and solutions‑focused approach to problem solving
* Good level of numeracy and IT literacy, including MS Office
Qualifications
* CIPS qualification (Level 3 or above) or actively working towards CIPS certification is strongly preferred
Other Information
* Based at our Tungsten park site, Witney.
* Permanent, full‑time role. Mon – Fri. 37.5 hours per week.
* 25 days’ holiday per year plus all statutory holidays (in England)
#J-18808-Ljbffr