Senior Buying Assistant in Bridgwater, Somerset

Acorn by Synergie is recruiting for a Senior Buyer. Purchasing's role is to support the business' needs for all direct and indirect material. It works closely with different functions on site, liaising with key departments as necessary and obtaining the best pricing using a total cost approach for all bought items. This is a hands-on role covering sourcing and buying of product, supplier QCD management, and contributing towards departmental KPIs.

Key Duties:

• Demonstrate commitment to the management system through effective implementation, operation, and control of processes.
• Develop purchasing strategies aligned with company requirements and optimum total cost solutions.
• Develop the global sourcing programme, expanding LCC sourcing to support regional and UK manufacturing facilities.
• Control and negotiate services and utility contracts.
• Manage internal and supplier-held inventory levels for relevant components.
• Support departments on revenue, capital, and expenditure, ensuring costing enquiries are returned in line with business requirements.
• Provide purchasing support to ensure customer quotes are prepared on time.
• Continually review opportunities for cost savings on direct and indirect purchases.
• Participate in product review meetings representing the Purchasing Department.
• Support the Purchasing Manager with tasks and projects as required.
• Manage supplier QCD performance in line with company protocol.
• Develop and manage the company's dual-party sourcing strategy to ensure global competitiveness.
• Ensure Valpak submissions are completed and input on time.
• Manage suppliers through review meetings, performance feedback, and improvement projects.
• Identify and implement efficiencies within departmental tasks.

Requirements:

• GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above, or equivalent.
• Procurement and supplier management experience.
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and managing changeover, with Fourth Shift and SAP experience preferred.
• CIPS Level 3 (advantageous).
• Strong teamwork skills with a diligent and responsible approach.
• Self-driven with a strong sense of urgency to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and achieve results.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and organisational skills.
• Professional presentation when dealing with suppliers and colleagues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytically and numerically astute with strong problem-solving ability.
• Proactive, determined, and able to work on own initiative.

What We Offer:

• Hybrid working with site base in Bridgwater.
• Subsidised canteen and excellent company benefits.
• Christmas and New Year shutdown.
• UK travel as required, with occasional international travel for training and supplier or site visits.
• Proof of right to work in the UK required.

Interested? Apply now for this Senior Buying Assistant role. Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.