At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Purchasing team as a Buyer, managing procurement and supplier relationships.
- Company: Be part of a leading transport electronics manufacturer with a £60M+ turnover.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, private medical insurance, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on experience in a dynamic environment, shaping the future of transport technology.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in purchasing within electronics; strong Excel and ERP skills required.
- Other info: 12-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Shift Pattern: Flexible start between 07:00–09:00; finish between 15:30–17:30
We are recruiting a commercially astute Buyer to join our dynamic Purchasing team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Based in Lewes, this role supports the strategic and operational procurement needs of a £60M+ turnover business serving the global public transport electronics sector.
You will play a key role in maintaining continuity of supply, optimising inventory levels, and driving cost efficiencies within a complex international supply chain. This is a hands-on position suited to an individual with a background in electronic manufacturing and a sound understanding of component sourcing and supplier management.
Key Responsibilities- Manage material requirements through ERP (MRP) planning and purchase order execution
- Maintain accurate supplier and item records within the ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics preferred)
- Monitor and improve supplier performance, delivery reliability, and cost-effectiveness
- Expedite overdue orders and resolve invoice mismatches to ensure timely payment
- Conduct supplier audits, build strong vendor relationships, and negotiate commercial terms
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, R&D, Accounts, and Sales
- Identify and qualify alternative components for engineering and NPI requirements
- Monitor stock levels and respond quickly to production shortages
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a purchasing role within an electronics or engineering manufacturing environment
- Competent in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications
- Strong Excel skills (including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis)
- Proficient with ERP/MRP systems—Microsoft Dynamics highly desirable
- Skilled in supplier negotiations and cost benchmarking
- Self-directed, resilient, and confident in decision-making
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Understanding of supply chain KPIs and performance metrics
- Familiarity with lean procurement and vendor rating systems
- Experience in cross-functional project delivery
- Competitive salary between £30,000 – £35,000 per annum
- Contributory pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Company-provided laptop and mobile phone
- 23 days annual leave (rising to 27 with service)
- Flexible working hours and a collaborative team environment
- Company Bonus
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Start Date: As soon as possible
If you have the required procurement experience and are ready to take ownership of a key supply chain function, apply now to join a business that is shaping the future of transport technology.
Contact Detail:
Terry Parris Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Dynamics and other ERP systems. Since the role specifically mentions a preference for this software, demonstrating your proficiency can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially with pivot tables and data analysis. Being able to showcase your ability to handle complex data will be crucial in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in supplier negotiations and how you've successfully managed vendor relationships in the past. Real-life examples will help illustrate your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to supply chain management. Being able to talk about these metrics will show that you have a strategic mindset and are ready to contribute to the company's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing, particularly within electronics or engineering manufacturing. Emphasise your skills in supplier management and ERP systems, especially if you have experience with Microsoft Dynamics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've optimised inventory levels or improved supplier performance in previous roles to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your strong Excel skills and any experience with technical drawings and specifications. These are crucial for the Buyer role, so make them stand out.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, consider including examples of successful negotiations or cross-functional collaborations in your application to illustrate your capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Terry Parris Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost efficiencies and supplier performance metrics. Brush up on relevant KPIs and be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles to drive purchasing decisions.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Familiarity with ERP systems, especially Microsoft Dynamics, is crucial. Be prepared to talk about your experience with MRP planning and how you've managed material requirements in past positions. Highlight any specific projects where you optimised inventory levels.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills
Negotiating commercial terms is a key part of the role. Think of examples where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers, focusing on the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved. This will show your potential employer that you're confident and effective in supplier management.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires collaboration with various departments. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with teams like Production, Engineering, or R&D in the past. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful project outcomes or improved processes.