At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and build strong supplier relationships in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Blackburn with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, employee discounts, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and potential funding for CIPS qualification.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and make a real impact on procurement processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong negotiation skills, and ERP system knowledge.
Genuine opportunity for progression! Blackburn | Up to £50,000 basic salary + Excellent Benefits | Permanent - Fully Office Based
Are you a commercially driven procurement professional looking for your next challenge within a fast-paced manufacturing environment? We are working exclusively with an established and growing manufacturing business based in Blackburn who are looking to appoint a Buyer / Procurement Specialist to join their growing Supply Chain team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where procurement plays a key role in supporting operational performance, production continuity, and business growth within an award-winning business.
Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, you will take ownership of procurement activity across assigned categories, ensuring materials and products are sourced effectively, suppliers are managed proactively, and commercial opportunities are identified and delivered. Reporting into the Supply Chain Manager, this role will suit someone who enjoys a varied procurement position, combining supplier relationship management, purchasing activity, negotiation and continuous improvement.
The Role
- Managing procurement activity across assigned product and material categories
- Leading RFQs, tenders and supplier selection processes
- Building strong relationships with new and existing suppliers
- Supporting commercial negotiations to achieve cost savings, improved service and value
- Monitoring supplier performance across quality, cost and delivery
- Supporting supplier reviews and improvement initiatives
- Managing purchase orders from placement through to delivery
- Working closely with suppliers to confirm availability, lead times and delivery schedules
- Monitoring stock levels across raw materials, components and finished products
- Identifying and escalating potential supply risks to protect production continuity
- Working collaboratively with planning, operations and wider teams to ensure requirements are met
- Reviewing supplier spend and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement
- Supporting procurement reporting and KPI tracking
- Maintaining accurate supplier records and procurement documentation
- Resolving supplier queries, delivery issues and invoice discrepancies
- Supporting improvements to procurement processes and ways of working
About You
We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded procurement professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys building strong supplier partnerships. You will ideally have:
- Previous experience within procurement, purchasing or supply chain, ideally within a manufacturing setting
- Experience managing suppliers and supporting negotiations
- Exposure to sourcing activity, RFQs, tenders or supplier reviews
- Strong understanding of purchase order management and supplier performance
- Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
- Commercial awareness with the ability to analyse data and identify opportunities
- Experience using ERP systems alongside Microsoft Excel
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to work with internal teams and external suppliers
- A CIPS qualification or working towards one would be advantageous, although practical procurement experience and the right commercial mindset are equally valued.
What’s In It For You?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful manufacturing business where procurement is recognised as a key contributor to operational excellence. You will benefit from:
- Salary up to £45,000
- Annual leave 25 days plus 8 Bank holidays
- Permanent opportunity within a growing organisation
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee product discount
- Birthday day off
- Company pension scheme with employer contribution
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Why Apply?
This role offers genuine variety and ownership, giving you the opportunity to influence supplier relationships, improve procurement processes and deliver measurable commercial value. Whether you are an experienced Buyer looking for your next move or a Procurement Specialist ready to broaden your responsibilities, this is a great opportunity to develop your career within a successful manufacturing environment.
Location: Blackburn, free on site parking
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum plus benefits
Hours: Monday to Friday, core office hours 9:30am to 4pm, full time hours 9:00am – 5:30pm but can be flexible with start and finish times to suit successful candidate.
Contract: Permanent - Office Based
To Apply, please send your current CV with salary expectations and notice period to (url removed) or call me for a confidential discussion on (phone number removed) (Victoria O’Connor)
Buyer/Procurement Specialist in Blackburn employer: Axon Moore
Axon Moore is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and creative work culture in Ulverston, where innovation thrives. With a competitive salary of up to £45,000, generous benefits including 25 days holiday, and a strong emphasis on employee development, this role as Playground Design Manager offers the chance to lead impactful projects while growing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer/Procurement Specialist in Blackburn
✨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 Axon Moore.
✨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/Procurement Specialist in Blackburn
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 Axon Moore:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Axon Moore. 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 Axon Moore.
How to prepare for a job interview at Axon Moore
✨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 Axon Moore!
✨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 Axon Moore. 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 Axon Moore's culture.
