At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure quality supply of products and services.
- Company: Join a market leader in the rail industry with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, early finishes on Fridays, and private medical.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: 3 years of procurement experience and relevant qualifications preferred.
We are working with a market leader who is experiencing significant growth. They have a clear path for future company growth and are looking to add to their Supply Chain team due to an internal promotion. You will be joining a team of experienced industry professionals with a chance to progress your career within a growing business with an excellent brand reputation.
The Buyer role is responsible for managing and developing a portfolio of suppliers to ensure the supply of products and services meets the required standards for Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD). The position supports both direct and indirect procurement requirements in line with business needs and company procedures, while also managing material planning activities to ensure continuity of supply and production stability.
Responsibilities and duties for the Buyer role:
- Raise and process purchase orders for rail components, parts, and services to support the business projects and operational requirements.
- Ensure requisitioned items are cost-effective; obtain and evaluate alternative quotations where applicable.
- Process and release daily purchase orders to suppliers for direct materials and indirect materials to support operational needs.
- Support the Approved Supplier List in accordance with relevant rail industry regulations and company compliance requirements, ensuring supplier selection and retention align with QMS requirements.
- Maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to meet business objectives.
- Operate in accordance with company quality procedures.
- Maintain required stock levels for direct materials, applying Economic Order Quantities (EOQs) where appropriate.
- Responsible for material planning by reviewing MRP outputs, supplier lead times, and production priorities.
- Lead or support cost-reduction and value engineering initiatives within the supply chain.
- Expedite the delivery of direct and indirect materials to ensure timely availability; ensure supplier delivery commitments are accurately reflected in the MRP system.
- Actively manage material availability risks, identifying potential shortages and implementing mitigation actions.
- Monitor and manage supplier performance using QCD metrics.
- Utilize the ERP system to manage purchasing activities, support planning visibility and demand coverage.
- Investigate and resolve invoice queries in coordination with the Finance team. Support tendering processes and the implementation of new projects or initiatives.
- Foster collaboration across all departments, including Warehouse, Materials, Commercial, Planning, Production, Finance, and Supply Chain, to achieve seamless cross-functional coordination and meet business objectives.
- Participate in supplier meetings and visits as required. Attend internal meetings as necessary.
- Coach and train other members of the team or facilitate team visits as needed.
- Undertake other tasks or responsibilities as reasonably requested by the Head of Supply Chain.
Qualifications and Experience:
- 3 years relevant procurement experience in a regulated or quality driven environment would be advantageous, with a good knowledge of products and suppliers.
- NVQ Level 2/3, BTEC, or similar qualification in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred. MCIPS advantageous.
- Previous experience in a supply chain, procurement, or logistics support role (rail, engineering, or manufacturing industry experience desirable).
- Experience working with MRP systems, planning tools, or production schedules desirable.
Key Skills:
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel (pivot tables, data analysis), Word, and Outlook.
- Understanding of supply chain principles in a regulated or quality-driven environment.
- Organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. Good commercial acumen.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills to support stock control, demand fluctuations, and supplier capacity alignment.
- Excellent communication skills for dealing with suppliers and internal teams. High attention to detail and accuracy, especially in data and document handling.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and enthusiastic. Solutions-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Adaptable to working in a dynamic, high pressure rail environment.
- Able to balance tactical purchasing activity with forward-looking material planning and risk management.
Buyer employer: Distinct Consultancy
Join a market leader in the rail industry as a Buyer, where you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive remuneration, generous holiday allowances, and an early finish on Fridays, this role offers a perfect balance of professional fulfilment and personal well-being, all while working alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend local supply chain events. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain processes. Show them you understand their needs and how your experience aligns with their goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to potential employers. Plus, it shows you're serious about landing that Buyer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your relevant procurement experience and any qualifications that match the job description. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Buyer position. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how they relate to what we do at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel. We love candidates who can analyse data and manage stock effectively, so make sure to mention any relevant tools or systems you've used.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct Consultancy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in a regulated environment. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Buyer, like managing supplier relationships and understanding QCD metrics. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with MRP systems and how you've used tools like Excel for data analysis. Be ready to give examples of how you've managed competing priorities or improved processes in previous roles. This will highlight your organisational skills and commercial acumen.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with questions that demonstrate your interest in the company’s growth and supply chain strategies. Ask about their approach to supplier performance management or how they handle material availability risks. This shows you're thinking ahead and are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The company values collaboration and a proactive mindset, so share your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to the team. A positive attitude can make a lasting impression!
