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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Source materials and services for exciting engineering projects while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a well-established engineering/manufacturing business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in innovative projects and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and technical background preferred.
- Other info: Work on diverse projects and influence processes in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are working with a well-established and growing engineering/manufacturing business to recruit an experienced NPI / Projects Buyer. This is a key role within the procurement function, supporting new product introduction (NPI), project-based work, and repair operations. This position will suit a commercially minded buyer with a technical background, confident working from engineering drawings and managing suppliers across complex, fast-paced projects.
The Role
Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, you will take responsibility for sourcing materials and services, ensuring the best balance of cost, quality, and delivery to support business operations and project timelines. You'll play a vital role in driving supplier performance, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring continuity of supply across multiple projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement
- Manage the end-to-end purchasing process, including raising orders and maintaining accurate system data.
- Source materials and subcontract services in line with project and NPI requirements.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to achieve best value.
- Monitor supplier performance, addressing any issues impacting delivery or quality (OTIF).
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including conducting supplier visits.
- Support subcontract project sourcing based on business demand.
- Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure smooth operations.
- Identify and implement cost-saving and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Manage supplier enquiries, quotations, and comparisons.
- Handle invoice queries and general procurement administration.
- Maintain and update ERP system data (pricing, lead times, MOQ, codes, etc.).
- Collaborate with the wider supply chain to support effective stock planning and movement.
- Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, and Environmental policies.
Key Performance Indicators
- Timely availability of materials to meet production and project demands.
- Identification and delivery of cost-saving opportunities.
About You
Experience
- Minimum 3 years' experience in a procurement or buying role.
- Experience within engineering or manufacturing environments.
- Proven ability to manage suppliers and negotiate effectively.
- Experience working with ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Skills & Competencies
- Ability to read and interpret technical/engineering drawings.
- Strong stakeholder management skills (internal and external).
- Excellent organisational and planning ability.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Confident negotiator with commercial awareness.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience (preferred).
- A-Level qualifications (minimum).
- CIPS Level 4 or above (desirable).
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to work on diverse and technically interesting projects.
- Key role within a growing and evolving business.
- Collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Real scope to influence processes and drive improvements.
NPI/Projects Buyer in Grantham employer: Ambitions Personnel
Contact Detail:
Ambitions Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPI/Projects Buyer in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their products and recent developments. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their NPI and project goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed suppliers and driven cost-saving initiatives in past roles. Use specific examples to highlight your experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace NPI/Projects Buyer in Grantham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPI/Projects Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within engineering or manufacturing environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully managed suppliers or negotiated contracts. This will help us see your potential impact on our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're interested in this role and how your background makes you a great fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a proactive approach, so let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitions Personnel
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in engineering and manufacturing contexts. Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end purchasing process and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed suppliers and negotiated contracts in the past.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Since this role involves working from engineering drawings, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to read and interpret these documents. Bring examples of past projects where your technical background made a difference in sourcing materials or managing supplier relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and stakeholder management abilities. Think of specific situations where you had to address supplier performance issues or implement cost-saving initiatives, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about their procurement processes and challenges. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.