At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure smooth production by securing essential materials.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on reliability, safety, and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, learning opportunities, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for internal promotion and professional development.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that drive quality and efficiency in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
If you thrive in fast‑moving environments, love solving problems before they become problems, and enjoy building strong relationships with suppliers, this role puts you right at the heart of our operation. As a Buyer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our production lines run smoothly by securing the materials, components, and services that keep our business moving. You’ll own your supplier portfolio, drive performance, and influence outcomes across the organisation. This is a role for someone who enjoys autonomy, accountability, and the satisfaction of seeing their decisions directly impact delivery, quality, and cost.
What you’ll do:
- Vendor performance ownership — manage and develop your supplier base, ensuring they consistently deliver on time, to spec, and to cost.
- MRP/ERP execution — process MRP demand, issue purchase orders, manage acknowledgements, and keep the system accurate and up to date.
- Schedule and demand management — action exception messages, adjust schedules, and ensure supply aligns with production needs.
- Open order book management — track, review, and maintain accurate supply dates to protect production continuity.
- Change management — communicate and implement changes to requirements, pricing, and schedules.
- Issue resolution — from FAIR and NCR issues to technical or commercial challenges, drive problems to closure.
- Supplier communication — negotiate delivery, pricing, and priorities to keep supply on track.
- Master data ownership — ensure part records are accurate and compliant.
- Performance monitoring — track OTD, quality, and cost performance, and report on supplier KPIs.
- Non‑conformance management — coordinate returns and replenishment to minimise production impact.
- Compliance — operate in line with FAR/DFAR, ITAR/EAR, and company policies.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience in a supply chain environment, ideally as a Buyer in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace sectors.
- A degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or equivalent industry experience.
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Solid supplier relationship management experience.
- Technical understanding of the commodities you’ll manage.
- Ability to work under tight financial and time constraints.
- Professional certifications like CIPS, CPM, or CPIM are a plus.
Core competencies:
- A confident user of MRP/ERP systems.
- Tenacious, proactive, and unafraid to hold suppliers or internal teams accountable.
- Someone who takes ownership and drives results.
- Skilled at knowing when to escalate and when to solve independently.
- Analytical, detail‑driven, and able to handle complex information.
- Professional, trustworthy, and aligned with strong CSR values.
- Calm and consistent in challenging situations.
- A self‑starter who pushes issues through to resolution.
What We Offer:
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Challenging projects in a dynamic collaborative team.
- Internal promotion opportunities whenever possible.
- Investment in employee learning and development through Eaton University.
- Commitment to reliability, safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR controlled technology, goods and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR controlled technology and goods may be required to undergo an additional screening process as part of the recruitment process. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.
Buyer employer: Eaton Corporation
As a Buyer at our company, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment where your problem-solving skills and supplier relationship management will be key to our operational success. We offer a competitive compensation package, a commitment to employee development through Eaton University, and a collaborative work culture that values reliability, safety, and sustainability. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying opportunities for growth and advancement within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their challenges and think about how you can add value as a Buyer. This will help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills in real-time! If you get the chance, demonstrate how you would handle supplier discussions or resolve issues during interviews. It’s all about proving you can drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Plus, it gives you a better chance to showcase your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in supply chain management, especially in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills:Since strong negotiation skills are key for this role, don’t shy away from sharing specific examples where you’ve successfully influenced outcomes. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges head-on!
Be Detail-Driven:As a Buyer, attention to detail is crucial. When writing your application, make sure to showcase your analytical skills and how you've managed complex information in past roles. We appreciate candidates who can keep things organised!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eaton Corporation
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, research the suppliers relevant to the company. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, and be ready to discuss how you would manage and develop these relationships. This shows that you’re proactive and have a genuine interest in the role.
✨Master MRP/ERP Systems
Brush up on your knowledge of MRP and ERP systems. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them to manage demand and supply effectively. Highlight any specific examples where your skills made a difference in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Think of specific instances where you successfully negotiated terms with suppliers or resolved conflicts. Be ready to share these stories during the interview, as strong negotiation skills are crucial for this role. It’s all about demonstrating your ability to influence outcomes.
✨Prepare for Change Management Scenarios
Expect questions about how you handle changes in requirements, pricing, or schedules. Prepare examples that illustrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to communicate effectively with suppliers and internal teams. This will show that you can maintain production continuity even in challenging situations.