At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure timely delivery of materials in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join ZEISS, a global leader in optics and optoelectronics.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid work model, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in manufacturing and supply chain.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as an Operational Buyer with strong supplier management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Operational Buyer - Cambourne
Are you an experienced Operational Buyer, Buyer or Procurement Specialist looking for a fast-paced role within a global manufacturing environment?
Do you enjoy managing supplier relationships, expediting deliveries, resolving supply issues and ensuring critical materials are available to support production?
Welcome to ZEISS.
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology company operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries.
ZEISS is shaping technological progress and through its solutions is extending the horizon of the world of optics and associated areas.
ZEISS consists of four segments: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Global Supply Chain Management Electron Microscopy team, supporting manufacturing operations through effective supplier management, material planning and procurement activities across an international supply chain.
What you'll be doing
Working within the Supply Chain Management Electron Microscopy Organisation at ZEISS, you will act as the key interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring materials are delivered on time to support manufacturing operations in both Cambourne and Oberkochen.
You’ll take ownership of a supplier base of 70+ suppliers, proactively managing orders, expediting deliveries, resolving shortages and ensuring continuity of supply in a fast-paced production environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end order lifecycle from placement through to delivery
- Expedite supplier orders and proactively manage delivery performance
- Monitor supplier commitments, identify risks and implement mitigation actions
- Manage and resolve material shortages to minimise impact on production
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers
- Conduct supplier performance reviews and monitor key performance metrics
- Maintain accurate supplier and material master data within SAP
- Support forecasting and demand planning activities
- Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies and payment-related queries
- Monitor pricing changes and supplier performance trends
- Create and maintain procurement dashboards and reporting tools
- Collaborate closely with Production Planning, Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams
- Identify opportunities to improve and automate procurement processes
- Participate in continuous improvement and value stream mapping activities
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and regulatory requirements
- Work closely with international suppliers to ensure material availability and on-time delivery
What We're Looking For
- Experience as an Operational Buyer, Buyer or Procurement Specialist, ideally with 3+ years' experience
- Experience managing the full order lifecycle from placement through to delivery
- Strong supplier management and relationship-building skills
- Proven experience expediting orders and managing supplier performance
- Experience resolving material shortages and supply chain issues
- SAP experience, ideally as a confident day-to-day user
- Experience working within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and work effectively within a fast-paced environment
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to analyse and manage large volumes of data
- Confidence escalating issues and driving resolutions when required
- Experience working with international suppliers would be advantageous
- Exposure to demand planning, continuous improvement or procurement process optimisation would be beneficial
We want you!
With motivation and passion, you'll fit right in at ZEISS!
We're looking for someone who is proactive, organised and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Someone who takes ownership, communicates confidently with suppliers and stakeholders, and isn't afraid to challenge, elevate and drive actions when required.
Benefits
- flexible working hours
- a hybrid working model
- clear progression opportunities into Project Buyer and Lead Buyer positions as your career develops
Diversity is a part of ZEISS.
We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.
Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible.
That's just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements.
After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people.
In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme.
- All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long-term goal of the
- Carl
- Zeiss
Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together.
Join us today.
Inspire people tomorrow.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Operational Buyer in Cambridge employer: Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited
ZEISS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cambourne where innovation and collaboration thrive. With flexible working hours, a hybrid model, and clear progression opportunities into advanced roles, employees are empowered to grow their careers while contributing to cutting-edge technology in optics and optoelectronics. The company fosters a diverse and inclusive culture, ensuring that every team member feels valued and inspired to push the boundaries of what's possible.
Contact Details:
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Buyer in Cambridge
✨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 Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited.
✨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 Operational Buyer in Cambridge
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 Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited. 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 Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited
✨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 Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited!
✨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 Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited. 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 Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited's culture.
