Buyer in Thame

To work and operate as part of a team of Buyers responsible for all LEUK purchasing activities, including products, materials, services, and capital equipment; Adhering to the Lucy Electric Purchasing Strategy aligned to Global and Local Policy and Procedure; Supporting the delivery of the overall business and operational objectives, defining the necessary purchasing practices to achieve these goals.

Lucy Electric is an international leader in intelligent secondary power distribution products and solutions, with features such as remote operation and monitoring. Linking energy generation to consumption, the business specialises in high-performance medium and low-voltage switchgear for utility, industrial and commercial applications.

The role is directly related to those activities carried out in the UK and Lucy's interactions with subsidiary companies around the world. The role is based in Thame UK although it may entail travelling abroad to other Lucy sites and overseas suppliers as appropriate. Achieve defined Key Performance indicators for the above functions as decided by the management. To be an active part of the operational team to affect the above tasks on a daily basis. Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as required/instructed in order to maintain and/or improve efficiency, quality and service. Support other projects external to Purchasing such as Business Development, Acquisition or knowledge transfer activities.

The purchasing team is jointly responsible for LEUK spend of up to £50m+ per annum. Purchasing has three dimensions: Inter-Company purchases, Third Party purchase for production materials and components; Third Party purchases for indirect product and services not associated with manufacturing.

Sourcing of newly designed products from LE Engineering for manufacture or assembly products specified by LE Customers for manufacture, assembly or buy to sell products and services required for the maintenance and day-to-day running of the site. Interact with all LE departments and divisions; Production, Engineering, Sales & Marketing, Customer Services, Quality Assurance, Lucy Group and all inter-company sites.

Key Accountabilities

• Sourcing of components and materials required for LEUK manufacturing at optimal costs.
• Sourcing of support services and utilities e.g. Vending, Cleaning, Transport and Warehousing etc.
• Participate in supplier development and relationship management aligned to LEUK requirements.
• Deliver purchasing 'sustainability' initiatives, aligned to Group policy and commitments for 'net zero' targets.
• Deliver the elimination of waste in all areas of responsibility through the Lean Programme and Continuous improvement initiatives based on key budget factors.
• Provide expertise and inputs to business goals and strategy development.
• Ensure procurement strategies are delivered in alignment with Global sourcing strategies.
• Develop competence in usage of Dynamics 365.
• Self-education in the latest products, materials and innovative methods.
• Participate in identifying critical components & developing dual sources to sustain supply chain.
• Deliver cost competitiveness of purchased components to maintain pre-fixed standard costs & projected MPV.
• Supplier development to augment timely deliveries & quality of components supplied.
• Participate in developing new components (R&D support), optimal product costing for future contracts, achieve cost reduction through value engineering & budgeting.
• Interact with LE Engineering Dept. and provide purchasing support for new and existing product development projects.
• Participate in cross-functional working to ensure that the purchasing strategy is an integral element of the operational and overall business plan in line with the Lean programme and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in and deliver requirements identified in outsourcing programmes.
• Ensure that supply strategy is delivered to ensure that key products are purchased at globally competitive total acquisition costs, and that supplies are benchmarked against in-house and competitor costs.
• Reduce cost of manufacture by focusing on potential areas and seek to identify areas of outsourcing for lower cost components and sub-assemblies.
• Drive down lead-time and minimise MOQ's.
• Ensure material, product and component quality, fit for purpose services in line with Group policy and QMS procedures.
• Participate in and provide knowledge, expertise, inputs and forecasts for annual budgeting process.
• Provide purchasing information for monthly BoS reporting.
• Participate in and deliver improvements and efficiencies for targeted BoS elements.
• Interaction and engagement is required with SQA and Production Departments in order to meet business outputs and profitability.
• Liaise with Sales and Marketing to understand Industry Sector requirements and positively affect LE market share.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• GCSE level achievement or equivalent, preferably in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Logistics Management, Procurement or Engineering.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Experienced in Microsoft Office Tools and Applications.
• Experienced in team environment.
• Experienced in presenting and communicating to a variety of audiences.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to translate strategic vision to actionable performance.
• Good communication skills and problem solving with the ability to influence colleagues and suppliers.
• A logical fact-based problem solver able to weigh up pros and cons and make reliable and effective choices.
• Team player - Engaging and approachable.
• Confident, proactive and customer-focused approach.
• Process driven with the ability to identify and deliver continuous improvement.
• Able to communicate and develop positive supplier relationships.
• Able to manage conflict in a calm, constructive and logical manner.