At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure timely delivery of materials for production.
- Company: Leading engineering and manufacturing company in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to develop your negotiation and analytical skills.
- Why this job: Join a team that drives innovation and efficiency in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing within manufacturing and strong communication skills.
Job Description
We are seeking a Commodity Buyer to join a leading engineering and manufacturing company in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire. This position is ideal for individuals with a background in procurement within a manufacturing environment, who enjoy supplier management, driving performance, and ensuring timely delivery of materials to support production. In this role, you will take ownership of a specialised commodity group, building strong relationships with suppliers while ensuring the efficient and cost-effective procurement of materials, goods, and services.
As a Commodity Buyer, you will manage a portfolio of suppliers and ensure the smooth flow of materials into the business. By collaborating closely with internal teams, you will help maintain production schedules while driving supplier performance and fostering continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities of a Commodity Buyer
- Raise purchase orders in line with production and business requirements.
- Ensure materials are delivered on time to support manufacturing demand.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements where required.
- Maintain accurate supplier information and purchase order data within the ERP system.
- Keep delivery dates up to date within SAP.
- Work collaboratively with engineering, planning and production teams.
- Support cost-effective purchasing strategies across your commodity area.
Requirements of a Commodity Buyer:
- Previous purchasing or buying experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing suppliers and procurement activities.
- Experience using an ERP system (SAP experience would be advantageous).
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- The ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering data.
- Experience within one or more of the following commodity areas would be beneficial:
- Engines & Mechanical Components
- Composites
- Marine Components
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- A proactive, organised and analytical approach to problem solving.
- The ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
If you are interested in the Commodity Buyer job based in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire, please apply today call Janet Marsh on 01582 329992 or email
Commodity Buyer in Oxford employer: BlueGate Consulting
As a world-leading manufacturing company located in Greenock, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our Maintenance Technicians benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and regular performance appraisals, all within an environment that encourages skill enhancement and career progression. Join us to be part of a team that values excellence and innovation in the semiconductor industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Buyer in Oxford
✨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 BlueGate Consulting.
✨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 Commodity Buyer in Oxford
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 BlueGate Consulting:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to BlueGate Consulting. 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 BlueGate Consulting.
How to prepare for a job interview at BlueGate Consulting
✨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 BlueGate Consulting!
✨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 BlueGate Consulting. 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 BlueGate Consulting's culture.
