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- Tasks: Manage suppliers, source engineering materials, and improve procurement processes.
- Company: Established engineering and manufacturing business in North Devon.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, hybrid working, flexible hours, EAP, and pension.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact on procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing procurement and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are working with an established engineering and manufacturing business based in North Devon, supplying highly engineered products into specialist sectors. Due to continued growth and increasing demand, they are looking to strengthen their procurement function with the appointment of a Senior Buyer to support operational and strategic purchasing across the business.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Hybrid working (3 days in office, 2 from home)
- Flexible working hours (around core hours)
- EAP
- Pension
Info about what the Senior Buyer role entails:
This is a hands-on Senior Buyer role within a growing engineering manufacturer, where you'll play a key part in managing suppliers, supporting production and helping improve the overall procurement function. You'll be responsible for sourcing and purchasing a range of engineering materials and components, building strong supplier relationships and negotiating pricing, lead times and delivery schedules. The role will involve a mix of day-to-day operational buying alongside longer-term supplier and cost reduction projects. The business is looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas and a more structured approach to procurement, whilst still being comfortable rolling their sleeves up in a busy manufacturing environment. You'll work closely with production, engineering and planning teams and will have the opportunity to influence supplier strategy, improve processes and support future growth within the department.
Essential Requirements of a Senior Buyer:
- Experience within a manufacturing or engineering procurement environment
- Previous experience in a Buyer or Senior Buyer position
- Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills
- Experience using MRP/ERP systems
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers, projects and priorities simultaneously
- Good understanding of inventory control, lead times and production planning
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Desirable Requirements of a Senior Buyer:
- Experience with international sourcing and supplier development
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience managing supplier KPIs and performance improvement initiatives
If you feel you are suitable and interested in this role, APPLY NOW with an up-to-date CV. We also pay referral fees if you can suggest another suitable person that isn't already known to us.
Senior Buyer in Bedford employer: APRIL QUEST LIMITED
Contact Detail:
APRIL QUEST LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in supplier negotiation and relationship management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of past projects where you improved procurement processes or managed supplier relationships effectively. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, if you know someone else who fits the bill, refer them and earn some extra cash!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within manufacturing or engineering. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved supplier relationships or reduced costs. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of character can make your application stand out. Just remember to keep it relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at APRIL QUEST LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes, especially in a manufacturing context. Familiarise yourself with the specific engineering materials and components relevant to the role, as well as any MRP/ERP systems you might encounter.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or improved costs. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiating pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules, as this will be crucial for the Senior Buyer position.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can bring fresh ideas to the procurement function. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach supplier strategy and process improvements, showing that you can balance day-to-day operations with long-term goals.
✨Engage with the Team
Since you'll be working closely with production, engineering, and planning teams, show your enthusiasm for collaboration. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully worked with cross-functional teams in the past and how you plan to influence and support them in this role.