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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: Dynamic role with opportunities for fresh ideas and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact on procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing procurement and strong supplier management 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.
- There is no visa sponsorship available for this role, and a UK driving license is required.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Hybrid working (3 days in office, 2 from home)
- Flexible working hours (around core hours)
- EAP
- Pension
This is a hands-on Senior Buyer role within a growing engineering manufacturer, where you will play a key part in managing suppliers, supporting production and helping improve the overall procurement function. You will 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 will 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
- Ability to manage multiple suppliers, projects and priorities simultaneously
- Good understanding of inventory control, lead times and production planning
- Experience managing supplier KPIs and performance improvement initiatives
Buyer / Senior Buyer / Procurement in Southampton employer: APRIL QUEST LIMITED
Contact Detail:
APRIL QUEST LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Senior Buyer / Procurement in Southampton
✨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 managing suppliers and improving procurement functions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated pricing and lead times with suppliers. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer / Senior Buyer / Procurement in Southampton
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!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've managed suppliers and improved procurement processes in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's cost savings or improved supplier relationships, we love to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the latest updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at APRIL QUEST LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes, especially in a manufacturing context. Familiarise yourself with key terms like lead times, inventory control, and supplier KPIs. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles where you've successfully managed suppliers or improved procurement processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's procurement strategies, challenges they face, and how they measure supplier performance. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into whether the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Fresh Ideas
Since the company is looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas to their procurement function, think about innovative strategies you've implemented in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these ideas to improve their processes and support future growth.