At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing and supply chain coordination to ensure materials are available for production.
- Company: Join a growing manufacturing and engineering business in Coventry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain performance and enjoy variety in your role.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or supply chain, strong Excel skills, and confident communication.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for international purchasing experience.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location: Coventry (Hybrid working 2 days per week)
Salary: circa £36,000
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract: Permanent
We are recruiting for an experienced Buyer to join a growing manufacturing and engineering business at their new Coventry site. This is a hands-on role combining purchasing, scheduling and supply chain coordination, with real ownership of materials planning and supplier performance. You will be responsible for the procurement of materials, components and equipment, ensuring stock availability aligns with production and customer demand. Working closely with engineering, production, operations and logistics, you will play a key part in keeping the supply chain moving and improving supplier performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Planning, scheduling and monitoring goods and services to meet production requirements, using techniques such as JIT, Kanban, blanket POs and rescheduling
- Ensuring raw materials, components and production supplies are ordered accurately and delivered on time
- Managing inventory and safety stock levels to balance customer service with effective use of capital
- Maintaining material, supplier and planning data within the MRP/ERP system
- Investigating shortages and carrying out root cause analysis with corrective actions
- Supporting installation and inventory plans by providing clear guidance on material availability
- Managing supplier performance, delivery metrics and quality issues
- Analysing data in Excel (including pivots and lookups) to identify improvement opportunities
- Supporting logistics, shipping and import processes
- Working with design teams on drawings, product descriptions and codes to ensure accurate procurement
- Leading supplier negotiations and driving cost saving and cost avoidance initiatives
- Managing commercial risks and maintaining accurate reporting to support decision making
- Building strong relationships across engineering, production, sales, operations and external suppliers
About you:
- Proven experience in buying, supply chain or materials planning
- Experience using MRP / ERP systems
- Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, vlookups and basic formulas
- Confident communicator with a practical, solution-focused mindset
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation ability
- Able to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable working cross-functionally and influencing stakeholders
Desirable (but not essential):
- International purchasing experience, including Far East sourcing
- Logistics or import experience (or willingness to learn)
This is a site-based role in Coventry, with occasional travel to suppliers and other UK locations as required. If you’re a Buyer who enjoys ownership, variety and making a tangible impact on supply chain performance, this is a great opportunity.
Buyer employer: Brellis Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Brellis Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain and procurement world. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around materials planning and supplier performance. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships and drive cost savings. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your buying, supply chain, and materials planning experience to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this Buyer position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier performance or improved inventory levels in the past.
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since strong Excel skills are a must-have, consider including examples of how you've used pivot tables and vlookups in your previous roles. This will help us see your analytical side in action!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brellis Recruitment
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on your supply chain and procurement knowledge. Be ready to discuss techniques like JIT and Kanban, as well as how you’ve used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the terms but can apply them effectively.
✨Excel Skills Are Key
Since strong Excel skills are a must for this role, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. Bring examples of how you've used pivot tables and vlookups in your previous jobs. If possible, practice explaining these concepts clearly, as you might be asked to solve a problem on the spot.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Think of specific instances where you successfully negotiated with suppliers or improved supplier performance. Be ready to share these stories, focusing on your approach and the outcomes. This will highlight your commercial awareness and ability to drive cost savings.
✨Build Relationships Across Teams
This role requires cross-functional collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked with different teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve influenced stakeholders and maintained strong relationships, as this will demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills.