At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement and inventory while building strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a growing organisation with a dynamic procurement team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health cash plan, and a short day on Fridays.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement performance and supplier partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical abilities.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Buyer to join a fast-paced procurement team. This role is responsible for the procurement and management of inventory in a cost-effective and timely manner, ensuring production requirements are consistently met.
The successful candidate will be a highly organised, detail-oriented procurement professional with excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. You will thrive in a dynamic environment, working closely with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes in quality, cost, and delivery.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Buyer looking to make a tangible impact on procurement performance, supplier relationships, and supply chain efficiency.
Key Responsibilities- Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Build, develop, and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Communicate effectively with suppliers regarding day-to-day procurement activities.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure purchasing decisions align with business objectives and operational requirements.
- Liaise with customers when necessary to support supply chain decisions and maintain service levels.
- Escalate unresolved supply chain or procurement issues appropriately.
- Inventory & Demand Planning
- Manage daily demand reports to ensure purchasing activity reflects changing business requirements.
- Place orders in line with agreed minimum order quantities, values, and lead times.
- Maintain accurate procurement and inventory data within ERP systems.
- Establish and review safety stock levels to ensure continuity of supply.
- Monitor inventory levels to minimise excess stock and reduce obsolescence.
- Cost Management & Negotiation
- Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities through supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Challenge and negotiate supplier price increases.
- Develop supplier partnerships that improve commercial terms and buying power.
- Supplier Performance & Delivery
- Manage supplier performance to ensure delivery targets are consistently achieved.
- Monitor and manage open orders, ensuring supply commitments are met.
- Segment suppliers and implement appropriate supplier management strategies.
- Conduct regular supplier reviews to assess order status, lead times, and performance.
- Escalate delivery concerns where necessary and drive corrective actions.
- Work with suppliers to reduce lead times and improve service levels through service agreements, blanket orders, and collaborative planning.
- Implement stock management initiatives such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Kanban systems, Min/Max controls, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
- Share forecasts and demand plans with suppliers to ensure supply chain readiness.
- Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Support supplier quality initiatives and collaborate on corrective actions where required.
- Work closely with quality teams to resolve supplier-related issues and drive continuous improvement.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and supplier information.
- Contribute to ongoing process improvements across procurement and supply chain activities.
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Build positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in training, development, and team-building activities.
- Support cross-functional projects and business improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and collaborative working practices at all times.
- Previous experience in a Buyer, Procurement, Purchasing, or Supply Chain role.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Experience managing inventory, forecasting, and demand planning.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and procurement processes.
- A proactive approach with the ability to prioritise workloads in a fast-moving environment.
- Good commercial awareness and a focus on cost reduction and value creation.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation where you can play a key role in driving procurement performance, strengthening supplier partnerships, and supporting business success.
Salary: £34-37K
Critical illness insurance
Health Cash Plan
Short Day on Friday
Buyer in Cannock employer: Concept Technical
Join a dynamic procurement team in Staffordshire as a Buyer, where your expertise will directly influence supplier relationships and supply chain efficiency. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through training and development opportunities, alongside competitive benefits such as critical illness insurance and a health cash plan. Experience a fulfilling career with us, where your contributions are valued and recognised in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Cannock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement world, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Cannock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, supplier management, and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific examples of your negotiation skills and how you've built strong supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:As a Buyer, you'll need strong analytical abilities. In your application, include examples of how you've used data to inform purchasing decisions or improve inventory management. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Concept Technical
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost management and inventory control. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement, such as lead times, order quantities, and safety stock levels. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully reduced costs or improved supplier terms. Think about specific strategies you used and the outcomes achieved. This will highlight your ability to deliver tangible results in a fast-paced environment.
✨Build Relationships
Since relationship-building is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss how you've developed strong partnerships with suppliers and internal stakeholders in the past. Share stories that illustrate your communication skills and how you’ve navigated challenges to maintain those relationships.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Expect questions that assess your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform purchasing decisions or manage inventory effectively. Highlight any experience with ERP/MRP systems, as this will be a key part of your role.
