At a Glance
- Tasks: Source materials and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join AluK, a leader in innovative aluminium systems shaping homes across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and contribute to exciting new product introductions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in a Buyer role and strong organisational skills are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Alu K, we're passionate about creating innovative aluminium window, door and façade systems that help shape homes and buildings across the UK and beyond.
Behind every product is a complex supply chain, strong supplier partnerships and a team of people who ensure the right materials are available at the right time—and that's where you come in.
We're looking for a proactive and commercially minded
Buyer to join our Supply Chain & Procurement team.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in sourcing materials, managing supplier relationships and supporting new product introductions within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
You'll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure our procurement activities support operational excellence while identifying opportunities to improve quality, cost and service.
If you're looking for a varied procurement role where you can make a real impact and continue developing your career, we'd love to hear from you.
- What you'll be doing
- Procurement
- Source materials and suppliers to support business requirements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to improve service, responsiveness and collaboration.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and cost avoidance through sourcing, negotiation and supplier development.
- Maintain accurate supplier, material and pricing information within our ERP/MRP systems.
- Ensure procurement records, quotations, contracts and supplier documentation remain accurate and compliant.
- Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Prepare and manage Requests for Quotation (RFQs) with both existing and new suppliers.
- Manage multiple sourcing activities simultaneously, ensuring quotations are received within agreed timescales.
- Analyse supplier quotations, considering cost, quality, lead time, service and commercial factors.
- Present supplier comparisons and recommendations to support purchasing decisions.
- Support supplier onboarding and maintain supplier information.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with our Research & Development team to support new product introductions.
- Ensure new suppliers, materials and components are established accurately within company systems.
- Collaborate with Planning, Production and Quality teams to ensure procurement supports operational requirements.
- Work alongside Finance to investigate and resolve supplier account, pricing and invoice queries.
- Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to procurement and wider supply chain improvement projects.
- Help improve procurement processes, supplier performance and data quality.
- Support the ongoing development of efficient purchasing practices across the business.
About you
You'll enjoy building strong relationships, negotiating positive outcomes and working collaboratively across different departments.
You'll ideally have
- Previous experience in a Buyer or Purchasing role within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
- Confidence working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- What you'll receive
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service to 38 days.
- Your birthday off.
- Pension scheme (5% employee / 3% employer).
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Annual flu vaccination.
- Discretionary profit-related bonus scheme.
- Following successful completion of probation, you'll also benefit from:
- Medicash healthcare plan.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Discounted gym memberships.
Why Alu K?
At Alu K, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
We're committed to creating an environment where individuals are empowered to develop, contribute ideas and make a real difference.
As part of our Supply Chain & Procurement team, you'll have the opportunity to work on exciting new product introductions, build strong supplier partnerships and help shape the future of our procurement function within a leading manufacturing business.
If you're looking for a role where your commercial awareness, organisation and relationship-building skills can make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Buyer in Chepstow employer: AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium
At AluK, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and employee engagement. As a Health Safety Environment Advisor, you'll not only contribute to a safer workplace but also enjoy competitive benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, ongoing development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that values your input and growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact while being part of a team that prioritises quality and safety in every aspect of our operations.
Contact Details:
AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Chepstow
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Chepstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium.
How to prepare for a job interview at AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into AluK (GB) - The Experts in Aluminium's culture.