At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the procurement of electronic components and manage supply chain challenges.
- Company: Join a tech-focused manufacturing site with a dynamic team in Hartlepool.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with international suppliers and contribute to innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make an impact in electronics manufacturing while developing your skills in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years of purchasing experience in electronics and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Hartlepool Site, which employs 130 staff, provides technology-focused manufacturing including PCB assembly, box build, test and the integration of design-led connectivity and power solutions.
Senior Buyer
The Senior Buyer is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of electronic components, materials, and services required to support manufacturing and operational activities.
Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, the role balances supply continuity, inventory optimisation, supplier performance, and cost management to support customer demand and business objectives.
The Senior Buyer acts as a point of escalation for complex supply chain and material availability issues, providing guidance and support to colleagues while driving the resolution of critical supply challenges.
The Senior Buyer plays a key role in ensuring product availability, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, managing supply risks, and contributing to a resilient and efficient supply chain.
The Senior Buyer is expected to undertake all core Buyer responsibilities while providing additional expertise, support, and escalation management across the purchasing function.
- Act as the primary escalation point for complex supplier, material availability, and delivery issues.
- Provide guidance and support to Buyers and other team members on purchasing processes, supplier and supply chain related challenges.
- Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks, including extended lead times, allocation challenges, obsolescence concerns, and supplier constraints.
- Provide specialist purchasing support for NPI projects, assisting with component selection, supplier engagement, lead-time analysis, and material availability planning.
- Support the Procurement Lead with departmental reporting, escalation management, and continuous improvement initiatives as required.
- Buyer
The Buyer is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of electronic components, materials, and services required to support manufacturing and operational activities.
Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, the role balances supply continuity, inventory optimisation, supplier performance, and cost management to support customer demand and business objectives.
- Source and purchase electronic components and related materials using SAP signals while exercising commercial judgement to ensure continuity of supply and inventory optimisation.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted supply.
- Explore market trends, supplier capabilities, and pricing fluctuations within the electronics industry and feedback to business.
- Issue purchase orders and track order status to ensure on-time delivery.
- Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, Program, Production, Quality, and Planning teams to support product development, NPI and operational requirements.
- Monitor and report on supplier performance based on quality, delivery, cost, and service metrics.
- Resolve supply chain issues and changes in customer demands, including shortages, delivery delays, and quality concerns.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier documentation, and SAP data.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and cost-reduction programs.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
- Create and maintain departmental KPI’s (including creating reports), reporting outcomes to management.
- Advise the business on required safety stocks in line with market conditions to support lead time reduction and meet customers’ expectations.
- Resolve invoice queries for the finance teams.
- Calculate and report cost change and effects on PPV.
- Create and process requests for airfreight.
- Key requirements
- 2 years (Buyer) or 5 years (Senior Buyer) purchasing experience within electronics manufacturing or EMS environments.
Experience purchasing electronic components such as semiconductors, PCBs, connectors, cables, and mechanical parts.
- (Senior Buyer) Experience managing complex supplier issues and material shortages within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- (Senior Buyer) Strong understanding of component lead-time management, supply continuity planning, and inventory optimisation.
- Strong knowledge of electronic components, BOM structures, PCB assemblies, and global supply chain practices.
- (Senior Buyer) Ability to coach and support team members.
- Experience supporting NPI processes.
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP) and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Detail orientated, with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- A ‘completer-finisher’ mentality. Happy to get involved and willing to stand forward to take ownership.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience with international suppliers and contract manufacturers. Knowledge of global electronics supply chains and component distribution networks.
- Knowledge of component lifecycle management and obsolescence planning.
- CIPS certification is an advantage.
- Knowledge / Experience of ISO 9001, ISO 13485 and/or EN 9100.
- Cicor Hartlepool Ltd
- Stephen House,
- Tofts Farm Industrial Estate East,
- Brenda Road
- Hartlepool,
- TS25 2BQ
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Electronics Buyer & NPI Lead employer: Cicor Group
Cicor Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Hartlepool manufacturing site where innovation meets employee engagement. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to fostering a supportive culture, we empower our HR Manager to lead transformative initiatives that enhance employee relations and drive business success. Join us to be part of a global team dedicated to excellence in electronic solutions, while enjoying comprehensive benefits and opportunities for growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Electronics Buyer & NPI Lead
✨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 Cicor Group.
✨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 Senior Electronics Buyer & NPI Lead
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 Cicor Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cicor Group. 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 Cicor Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cicor Group
✨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 Cicor Group!
✨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 Cicor Group. 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 Cicor Group's culture.
