At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Spare Parts and Maintenance, driving strategic improvements.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturing business on an exciting procurement journey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence key strategies.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with senior stakeholders in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising procurement and enhancing operational performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
I'm working exclusively with a leading food manufacturing business looking to appoint a Senior Buyer to take ownership of their Spare Parts, Repairs & Maintenance category. This is a genuinely strategic role with responsibility for approximately £15m spend covering:
- Spare Parts & MRO Service Contracts
- Machinery Maintenance
- Hard FM
- Doors & Access Systems
The business is at the start of an exciting procurement journey, creating an opportunity for someone who enjoys building category strategies, challenging the status quo and delivering tangible improvements.
Key Priorities
- Reduce spare parts inventory and optimise stock holdings.
- Review service contracts and call-out spend to identify savings and improved commercial models.
- Drive OEM to non-OEM sourcing opportunities where appropriate.
- Deliver quick wins across a category that hasn't received dedicated focus for some time.
- Support the transition from local site purchasing to a more strategic group-wide procurement approach.
What We're Looking For
- Procurement experience across MRO, Spare Parts, Engineering or Hard FM categories.
- Experience working closely with Engineering, Maintenance and Operational stakeholders.
- Strong sourcing, supplier negotiation and contract management capability.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to influence both local and group stakeholders.
- Food manufacturing, FMCG or other asset-intensive manufacturing experience preferred.
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a category with significant scope for improvement, visibility and influence. You'll work directly with senior stakeholders, shape procurement strategy and play a key role in improving operational performance across a complex manufacturing environment. If you're currently a Senior Buyer, Category Manager or Procurement Manager within MRO, Engineering or Maintenance categories, I'd be keen to speak with you.
Senior Buyer - Spare Parts in Huntingdon employer: Distinct | B Corp
Join a leading food manufacturing business that values innovation and strategic thinking in procurement. With a focus on employee growth, you'll have the opportunity to shape category strategies and drive significant improvements in a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and challenges the status quo. Located in a dynamic environment, this role offers a unique chance to make a tangible impact while working alongside senior stakeholders in a sector that is both rewarding and essential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Spare Parts in Huntingdon
✨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 Distinct | B Corp.
✨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 Buyer - Spare Parts in Huntingdon
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 Distinct | B Corp:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Distinct | B Corp. 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 Distinct | B Corp.
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct | B Corp
✨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 Distinct | B Corp!
✨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 Distinct | B Corp. 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 Distinct | B Corp's culture.
