At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Fast-growing importer and distributor of premium cabinet hardware.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and profit share scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in system improvements.
- Why this job: Join a central role in an ambitious business with diverse product offerings.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or purchasing, preferably in KBB or hardware.
Our client is a fast-growing importer and distributor of premium cabinet hardware, serving the KBB industry. Working with suppliers across APAC and Europe, they operate across two established brands with a broad and growing product portfolio.
The Role
They are seeking an experienced Buyer to sit at the heart of their day-to-day purchasing activity. You will be the operational engine of the purchasing team - managing supplier relationships, placing and progressing orders, supporting vendor quotation processes, and working closely with the Head of Procurement.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage the end-to-end purchase order process across APAC and European suppliers, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate documentation.
- Coordinate with the warehouse and operations team on inbound shipment planning and stock arrival.
- Manage inbound carriage arrangements and liaise with freight forwarders as required.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records within the ERP system.
- Act as the primary day-to-day contact for a defined set of suppliers, managing routine commercial and operational dialogue.
- Support the supplier performance review process, providing data and correspondence as required.
- Provide direction and task oversight to the Purchasing Assistant, ensuring workload is well-managed and priorities are clear.
- Contribute to system and process improvement initiatives as directed by the Head of Procurement.
Requirements
Essential
- Has solid buying or purchasing experience in a product-based, import-led business - KBB, furniture, or hardware experience is a strong advantage.
- Confident managing supplier relationships across APAC and/or European supply chains.
- Organised and methodical - able to manage multiple supplier relationships and open orders simultaneously without losing oversight.
- Has good commercial instincts and is comfortable working with pricing, MOQs, and vendor quotation processes.
- Communicates clearly with both suppliers and internal teams.
- Proficient with ERP or purchasing management systems and comfortable with Excel.
- A team player who can also take direction from multiple stakeholders without losing focus.
Desirable
- KBB, furniture, or hardware experience.
What’s In It For You
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays).
- Company profit share scheme after meeting eligibility requirements.
- A central, varied role in a fast-growing and ambitious business.
- The opportunity to work across two distinct brands with a broad and growing product portfolio.
What’s next?
It’s easy! Click “APPLY” now! We can’t wait to hear from you!
Your data will be handled in line with GDPR.
Buyer employer: Formed-UK
Join a dynamic and fast-growing importer and distributor of premium cabinet hardware in Lincoln, where your role as a Buyer will be pivotal to our success. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive benefits such as a profit share scheme and generous holiday allowance. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work across two distinct brands, this is an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨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 Formed-UK.
✨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 Buyer
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 Formed-UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Formed-UK. 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 Formed-UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Formed-UK
✨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 Formed-UK!
✨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 Formed-UK. 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 Formed-UK's culture.
