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- Tasks: Source and negotiate high-quality raw materials for forging operations.
- Company: Join one of Britain's leading aerospace and industrial forgers.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension scheme, bonus opportunities, and health cash plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team making a real impact in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical abilities.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) are continuing to invest and grow, and we are looking to add a Senior Buyer to our Supply Chain and Logistics team. Over the last few years, we have invested in the business and have successfully doubled our turnover. We are looking to continue this growth and are looking for the right people to help us join our team. We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Buyer to source, negotiate, and secure high-quality raw materials essential to our forging operations, including metal billets, ingots and bar stock. You will play a key role in ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and adherence to technical specifications. Working closely with Commercial, Quality Engineering, Inventory Control and Planning, you will help maintain optimal inventory levels and support smooth, efficient operational performance.
Responsibilities
- Procurement & Sourcing – Source and purchase forging-grade metals, develop an effective sourcing strategy, evaluate and audit suppliers, and monitor global metal markets to maintain quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
- Negotiation & Contract Management – Negotiate pricing, payment terms, deliveries and long-term supply agreements; ensure contracts meet technical and certification requirements; and issue purchase orders while maintaining accurate procurement records.
- Technical & Quality Alignment – Collaborate with Quality and Production to ensure materials meet forging specifications, review mill certifications and MTRs, and resolve any material-related issues promptly.
- Inventory & Supply Continuity – Work with Planning, Production, and Commercial teams to maintain inventory, mitigate supply risks, and coordinate efficient inbound deliveries.
- Cost & Performance Analysis – Monitor procurement KPIs, analyse cost drivers, and support budgeting and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Compliance & Documentation – Ensure compliance with industry standards, maintain procurement and supplier records, and uphold ethical sourcing and corporate policies.
Qualifications / Experience
Essential:
- Procurement experience in metals, forging, machining, steel mills, or heavy manufacturing.
- A strong understanding of steel grades, alloys, metal properties, and forging material requirements.
- Demonstrable key supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Excellent analytical and cost-modelling skills, leading to data-driven decision making.
- Able to read technical drawings and material specs.
- Proficient IT skills including working knowledge of ERP.
Desirable:
- Qualifications in Supply Chain, Business, Metallurgy, Engineering, or related field.
- Driving licence.
About Independent Forgings: Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is one of Britain’s leading independent aerospace and industrial forgers. The unique feature about IFA is the combination of open and closed-die forging while also undertaking the whole production process from raw material to the finished product in one location. Operating from a 680 000ft2 facility in Sheffield, we manufacture high-integrity, open-die and closed-die forged components in nickel alloy, titanium, stainless steel and carbon alloys for customers and tier-one suppliers within the aerospace, nuclear, power generation, marine as well as oil and gas sector.
Why work for us?
At IFA we pride ourselves on being a great place to work. As one of the UK’s leading forge manufacturing companies we want to ensure that we attract, motivate and retain the best people who can deliver the best service to the company and our customers. We offer you:
- Holidays – you will have 33 days holiday, including bank holidays.
- Pension scheme – IFA wants to provide its employees a good foundation for life after work and hence offers a 5% contribution.
- Bonus scheme – this is linked to team and company performance.
- Westfield cash plan – IFA provides level 1 health cash plan which comes along with numerous discounts and special offers, including gym discounts, online, high street and grocery retailers and many more.
- Wellhub – access to various fitness apps and gyms in the local area.
- Free work wear and PPE.
- Development – we offer genuine development opportunities to progress your career.
Senior Buyer in Sheffield employer: Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, especially in the metals and forging sector. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in joining the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about wanting to be part of our growing team at Independent Forgings and Alloys.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience in metals and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for IFA. Mention specific experiences that showcase your negotiation skills and understanding of metal properties. Let us know why you want to join our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves cost analysis and data-driven decision making, be sure to include examples of how you've used analytical skills in past roles. We love seeing numbers and results that back up your claims!
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’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Metals
Brush up on your knowledge of steel grades, alloys, and metal properties. Be ready to discuss how these factors influence procurement decisions and how they relate to forging operations. This will show that you understand the technical side of the role.
✨Master Negotiation Techniques
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured favourable terms for your company. Highlight your relationship management skills and be ready to discuss how you can apply these in sourcing high-quality raw materials for IFA.
✨Showcase Analytical Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you've used data-driven decision-making in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've monitored procurement KPIs or analysed cost drivers to support budgeting initiatives. This will demonstrate your analytical prowess.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with the entire supply chain process, especially how procurement impacts inventory levels and operational performance. Discuss how you would collaborate with other teams at IFA to ensure smooth operations and mitigate supply risks.
