At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and negotiate contracts to optimise supply chain performance.
- Company: Join Gentex Corporation, a global leader in manufacturing with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth and collaboration across multiple departments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies and supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and ERP system knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 £ per year.
Description
Gentex Corporation is looking for a Senior Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in Haydock, Merseyside.
- Salary: £40,000-£46,000 / Monday - Thursday 08:00 - 16:30, Friday 08:00 - 13:00
- What You'll Be Doing
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories.
- Lead supplier sourcing, RFQs and tender activities to achieve the best balance of cost, quality, delivery and risk.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts and long-term supplier agreements.
- Identify cost reduction, cost avoidance and value engineering opportunities.
- Build and manage strong relationships with strategic suppliers.
- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and lead supplier improvement initiatives.
- Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation plans.
- Raise and manage purchase orders using the ERP system while maintaining accurate supplier, procurement and contract master data.
- Resolve supplier issues relating to delivery, quality, shortages and pricing.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects through early supplier engagement.
- Work collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Planning, Manufacturing, Quality and Finance to support business objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes and supplier performance.
What We're Looking For
- At least five years' procurement or purchasing experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier selection and contract negotiation.
- Strong commercial negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Experience managing supplier performance and driving continuous improvement.
- Understanding of procurement best practice, commercial contracts and supply chain risk management.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP experience is advantageous).
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven commercial decisions.
- Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.
- High level of commercial awareness and business acumen.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to play a key role in shaping our supply chain strategy.
Working alongside the Procurement Manager, you'll lead strategic sourcing activities, develop strong supplier partnerships, negotiate commercial agreements and help ensure continuity of supply across our specialist manufacturing business.
You'll also collaborate with Commodity Managers across the wider Gentex Enterprise, supporting consolidated sourcing initiatives and helping deliver global procurement strategies where appropriate.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- MCIPS qualified or actively working towards MCIPS.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes.
- Knowledge of inventory management and manufacturing supply chains.
- Personal Attributes
• We're looking for someone who is
- Commercially minded with a strategic approach to procurement.
- A confident negotiator who can influence and build lasting supplier relationships.
- Proactive, organised and able to manage competing priorities.
- Comfortable working independently while collaborating across multiple departments.
- Resilient, solutions-focused and committed to continuous improvement.
- Professional, ethical and able to build trust with both internal and external stakeholders.
Why Join Gentex?
At Gentex, you'll join a collaborative team where procurement plays a vital role in supporting innovation, operational excellence and business growth.
You'll have the opportunity to influence strategic sourcing decisions, develop supplier partnerships and contribute to the success of a global manufacturing organisation while continuing to develop your own career.
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Senior Buyer in St Helens employer: Gentex Corporation
Gentex Corporation is an outstanding employer located in Stranraer, offering a dynamic work environment where maintenance technicians can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a collaborative culture that values safety and efficiency, ensuring that team members are equipped with the skills needed to excel in their roles. Additionally, the opportunity to work with cutting-edge manufacturing equipment and the chance to travel to other sites for support adds unique advantages to this rewarding position.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in St Helens
✨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 Gentex Corporation.
✨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 in St Helens
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 Gentex Corporation:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gentex Corporation. 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 Gentex Corporation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gentex Corporation
✨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 Gentex Corporation!
✨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 Gentex Corporation. 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 Gentex Corporation's culture.
