Buyer
Location: Haydock, St Helens (minimum of 2 days per week in the office)
Job type: Permanent
Contracted hours: Full time – 36hrs per week (option to condense into 4 days Monday – Thursday) / Part time
About the role
Overview of the role: As a Buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring materials, goods, and services essential to the organisation’s day‑to‑day and project operations. You will take ownership of purchasing activity within your remit, working closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and the wider supply chain to ensure cost‑effective, high‑quality, and timely procurement solutions. You will play a key role in supplier management, commercial negotiations, and continuous improvement of procurement processes to support business objectives and operational requirements.
What you’ll be responsible for
- Take ownership of sourcing, selecting, and managing suppliers to ensure a reliable, cost‑effective supply chain that meets business requirements.
- Raise, manage, and monitor purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services and resolving any order, invoice, or delivery discrepancies.
- Lead supplier negotiations to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and ongoing cost savings.
- Analyse supplier performance, pricing trends, and market data to support informed purchasing decisions and identify improvement opportunities.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders across operations, finance, and projects to understand requirements and ensure procurement needs are met.
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with company policies and procedures, maintaining accurate records and documentation at all times.
- Monitor and administer system controls, ensure data accuracy and support users to ensure compliance with internal procedures and audit requirements.
About you
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain, ideally operating in a Buyer or similar autonomous role.
- Strong supplier negotiation and relationship management skills with the ability to influence suppliers and secure cost‑effective commercial outcomes.
- Good analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, pricing trends, and supplier performance to support decision‑making.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Capable of balancing strategic procurement with hands‑on operational buying responsibilities.
- Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using ERP or procurement systems.
- Highly organised and detail‑focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure accuracy in a fast‑paced environment.
Nice to have
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) or a willingness to undertake relevant procurement qualifications.
- Previous experience within a manufacturing, engineering, or technical environment.
- Experience working with suppliers in a project‑based or fast‑paced operational setting.
- Understanding of supply chain processes, inventory control, or materials planning.
- Experience using ERP systems for procurement or materials management.
The Person
We believe that recruiting is not just about finding people who can demonstrate the right skills – if you can demonstrate those we would also like to see:
- can‑do attitude with a positive approach to problem solving
- excellent attention to detail and accuracy in all areas of their work
- application of our core values in everyday working life:
- collaboration and teamwork
- integrity, trust and accountability
- safety and security
- client focused
- positive social value and impact
- continuous improvement
What we offer
In return, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
Ways of Working
- 36 hours full time working
- Optional 4 day working week (Monday to Thursday)
- Hybrid working for many roles (minimum of 2 days per week on site)
Time Off
- 23 days holiday, plus 3 discretionary days to cover the Christmas closedown period (plus bank holidays)
- Option to purchase up to 36 hours additional holiday
- Birthday day off (in addition to your holiday entitlement)
- 1 STEM Day per year
Other benefits
- Healthcare cash plan – allowing you to reclaim the cost of everyday healthcare
- Employers pension contributions of 5%
- Life Assurance (Death in Service) benefit
- Cycle to work scheme
- Professional membership fees (if required for your role)
- Free onsite parking
- Free refreshments and fruit in the workplace
Equal Opportunities
We believe in equality, diversity and inclusion and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any reasonable adjustments during any part of the application process, please get in touch to discuss.
