Senior Buyer & Inventory Controller in Lisburn

Permanent Senior Buyer & Inventory Controller required for Lisburn. Job Purpose: My client are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer & Inventory Controller to take ownership of key purchasing activities while helping improve inventory control and MRP processes across the business. This is a hands-on role responsible for managing suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, ensuring materials are purchased at the right cost and delivered on time, and maintaining appropriate stock levels to support the business. The role will work closely with Divisional Heads, Operations, Sales and other functions to improve purchasing performance, supplier relationships and inventory control Duties will include: Manage day-to-day purchasing activities across an agreed portfolio of suppliers and products. Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and act as a primary commercial contact. Negotiate purchase prices, payment terms, lead times and other commercial conditions. Identify and deliver measurable purchasing savings and cost-reduction opportunities. Monitor and manage supplier performance across quality, cost and delivery. Ensure Purchase Orders are raised accurately and placed with suppliers on time. Proactively manage overdue orders, shortages and supplier delivery issues. Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier information within the MRP/ERP system. Use MRP effectively to ensure materials are available when required without creating unnecessary inventory. Review stock levels and identify opportunities to reduce excess, obsolete and slow-moving stock. Review purchasing parameters including lead times, minimum order quantities, reorder levels and safety stock. Support the development and implementation of purchasing strategies for key suppliers and product categories. Work with Divisional Heads to understand forecast demand and ensure purchasing activity supports sales and operational requirements. Support the development of the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) the process for setting up new stock items and maintaining accurate master data. Produce and monitor relevant purchasing and inventory KPIs. Support the implementation of purchasing best practice and continuous improvement across the business. Provide support and guidance to other members of the purchasing team where appropriate. Essential Criteria: 5 years experience in purchasing, buying or procurement, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering or distribution environment. Strong practical experience of MRP/ERP systems. Experience of SAP would be advantageous but is not understanding of inventory and stock-control principles. Demonstrable experience negotiating with suppliers and achieving cost savings. Experience managing supplier performance and resolving quality, cost and delivery issues. Strong commercial awareness and confidence dealing directly with suppliers. Good Microsoft Excel and data-analysis skills. Experience reviewing stock levels, purchasing parameters and material requirements. Ability to work collaboratively with Sales, Operations, Finance and other functions. Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving to manage competing priorities and work independently. A proactive approach with a strong drive for results. CIPS qualification would be advantageous but is not essential where the candidate has suitable experience. Success in the role will include: Purchasing savings and cost reductions Supplier on-time delivery and quality performance Reduction in excess and slow-moving inventory Improved stock availability Improved MRP and purchasing-data accuracy Reduction in material shortages Purchase Orders placed accurately and on time Improved supplier relationships and commercial terms Hours of Work: (1 in 2 Fridays off) Week 1:Monday Thursday 8.00 am. 5.00 pm & Friday 8.00 am. 4.00 pm. Week 2: Monday Thursday 8.00 am. 5.00 pm (4 Days) Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 (DOE) For further information contact Tanya Lyttle at GenTech Recruitment on ADZN1_NI41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15