At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and drive cost reductions in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Well-established business in the Exeter area with a focus on procurement.
- Benefits: Great salary, 25 days leave, hybrid working, annual bonus, and health insurance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and continuous improvement projects.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on business performance while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or procurement with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Butler Rose is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a well-established business based in the Exeter area. We are seeking a commercially minded Category Buyer to join their procurement team and play a key role in managing supplier relationships, driving cost reductions, and ensuring an efficient and reliable supply chain. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced buyer looking to develop their career within a fast‑paced environment where they can make a tangible impact on business performance.
The Role
Reporting into the Procurement Manager, you will take responsibility for managing a range of product categories, ensuring supplier performance, cost competitiveness, and product availability. You'll work closely with stakeholders across the business to support sourcing activities, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and developing relationships with existing suppliers
- Identifying and delivering cost‑saving opportunities across assigned categories
- Running RFQs and leading sourcing activities to support business requirements
- Negotiating pricing, terms, and long‑term supply agreements
- Monitoring supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and service levels
- Supporting new product introductions and product life cycle management activities
- Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure supply continuity
- Managing procurement projects and contributing to category strategies
- Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks
- Analysing market trends and supplier performance data to support decision‑making
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- Previous purchasing, buying or procurement experience within a distribution, manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills
- Experience managing cost reduction and sourcing projects
- Good commercial awareness and analytical ability
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP experience would be advantageous)
- The ability to work independently whilst managing multiple priorities
- Project or continuous improvement experience would be beneficial
What's on Offer?
- Great salary – please contact for details
- 25 days paid annual leave + bank holidays
- Hybrid working – 2 days WFH
- Annual bonus
- Company Pension Plan (Salary Sacrifice)
- Life assurance cover
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- 24/7 Virtual GP
- Critical Illness Health Insurance Plan
If you're an experienced Buyer looking for your next challenge in the Exeter area, we'd love to hear from you. Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Category Buyer in Exeter employer: Butler Rose Ltd
Butler Rose Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment in Lancaster that fosters collaboration and teamwork. With competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth, employees can thrive while contributing to the smooth operation of finance processes during busy periods. The company values attention to detail and provides a platform for individuals to enhance their skills in accounting and administration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer in Exeter
✨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 Butler Rose Ltd.
✨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 Category Buyer in Exeter
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 Butler Rose Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Butler Rose Ltd. 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 Butler Rose Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Rose Ltd
✨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 Butler Rose Ltd!
✨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 Butler Rose Ltd. 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 Butler Rose Ltd's culture.
