At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and build strong supplier relationships in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a well-established manufacturing business in Stoke-on-Trent with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finishes on Fridays, generous holiday allowance, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Long-term career development opportunities in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a growing industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 - 16:50, Friday: 08:00 - 12:10
About the Opportunity:
Bolt Technical are recruiting for an experienced Senior Buyer to join a well-established manufacturing business based in Stoke-on-Trent. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and fast-moving business where procurement plays a key role in operational success. Working closely with the Head of Supply Chain, you'll support procurement activities across the full product lifecycle from estimation and NPI through to mass production and end-of-life management.
The successful candidate will combine strong tactical purchasing capability with a proactive, strategic mindset. You'll be responsible for supplier management, cost reduction initiatives, negotiation activities, and improving overall supply chain performance while supporting a collaborative and driven procurement team. The business supplies into highly respected industries and projects, offering employees the opportunity to contribute within a dynamic environment where ideas and improvements can genuinely make an impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and execute purchasing activities across assigned product categories
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and service level agreements
- Support new product introduction (NPI) activities and supplier change management
- Lead supplier negotiations, cost-saving initiatives, and total cost reduction projects
- Manage supplier pricing, MOQs, lead times, and batch efficiencies
- Monitor and improve procurement KPI performance, including PPV savings, supplier delivery, inventory reduction, and overdue PO management
- Analyse and mitigate supply chain risks, shortages, and supplier constraints
- Work closely with internal stakeholders across supply chain, quality, and operations teams
- Drive continuous improvement within procurement processes and supplier performance
What They’re Looking For:
- Experience within procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles
- Manufacturing sector experience is essential
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
- Proven experience delivering cost-saving and PPV initiatives
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical mindset
- Proactive, driven, and solutions-focused attitude
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Organised and able to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) is advantageous
- Full UK driving licence preferred
Whats on Offer:
- Competitive salary package
- Early finish every Friday
- 23 days holiday, increasing to 28 days with length of service
- Discretionary company sick pay scheme
- 4% employer pension contribution
- Group life assurance at 3x annual salary
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunity to join a stable and growing manufacturing business
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunity to make a visible impact within the supply chain function
- Long-term career development opportunities
Additional Information: By applying for this position, you confirm that you have read and understood our Data Privacy Statement and give Bolt Technical authorisation to hold your provided data. This vacancy is advertised by Bolt Technical, who are acting as an employment agency/business. Your application will be considered in competition with others, and we aim to contact successful applicants within 5 working days.
Senior Buyer Manufacturing employer: Bolt Technical Limited
Contact Detail:
Bolt Technical Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Buyer role. 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 procurement processes. Show them you understand their business and how you can contribute to their supply chain success. Tailor your examples to highlight your negotiation skills and cost-saving initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. This way, you’ll stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Bolt Technical.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role and remind them of your key strengths. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on making a positive impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in manufacturing, and showcase any cost-saving initiatives you've led. We want to see how your skills align with 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 passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your negotiation skills and strategic mindset.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Include metrics or examples of how you've improved supplier relationships or reduced costs. We love seeing concrete results that show your impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it's super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bolt Technical Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the manufacturing sector. Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier management, cost-saving initiatives, and how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about specific situations where you achieved significant cost reductions or improved supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your strong tactical purchasing capability.
✨Understand the Company’s Needs
Research Bolt Technical and their position in the market. Understand their products and the industries they serve. This will help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their operational success.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement scenarios, like managing supply chain risks or improving KPI performance. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions clearly and confidently.