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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing and sourcing in a fast-paced environment with real responsibility.
- Company: Established business in the electrical and industrial sector, based in Luton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential to support senior management and improve processes.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by enhancing supplier relationships and driving quality improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are working with a well-established and growing business in the electrical / industrial space, looking to bring in a Senior Buyer to join their Luton team on a permanent basis. This is a hands-on, fast-paced purchasing role with real responsibility. You will manage a high-volume, high-SKU environment, taking ownership of day-to-day purchasing and sourcing activities, supplier relationships, and improvements across contracts, quality, and performance. There is also scope to step up and support the Head of Purchasing on key initiatives, making it a senior role with real impact.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of Procurement, you will manage day-to-day purchasing and sourcing activity across a broad supplier base, ensuring stock, contracts, and supplier performance are all maintained to a high standard. This role offers real opportunity to add value, particularly around:
- Managing a high-SKU, fast-moving environment (40,000 SKUs, 17,000 in stock)
- Strengthening supplier contracts and agreements
- Driving quality improvements and structured supplier feedback
- Enhancing overall supplier performance and accountability
What You Will Be Doing
- Day-to-day purchasing and sourcing processing requisitions, placing purchase orders, and ensuring timely deliveries
- Evaluating stock levels and ordering in line with demand forecasts, sales orders, and MRP requirements
- Building and developing strong supplier relationships (UK & international)
- Leading negotiations on pricing, terms, and contracts
- Holding suppliers accountable on quality, delivery, and service levels
- Driving improvements through supplier feedback, corrective actions, and performance reviews
- Supporting contract management and implementing longer-term agreements
- Resolving supply issues, delays, and discrepancies proactively
- Collaborating closely with Sales, Warehouse, and Finance teams
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience in a purchasing / buying role within manufacturing or distribution
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-SKU environment
- Strong supplier management, negotiation, and contract experience
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Excel
- Exposure to electrical / cabling products or similar technical product ranges is advantageous
- CIPS qualified or working towards (desirable)
- Confident to step up and support the Head of Purchasing on senior workload
The Person
- Hands-on, proactive, and solutions-focused
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
- Confident communicator who can challenge and influence suppliers
- Resilient and calm under pressure
- Takes ownership and enjoys improving processes and performance
Senior Buyer in Watford employer: Gerrell & Hard
Contact Detail:
Gerrell & Hard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their products and market position so you can discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in purchasing, supplier management, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed high-volume purchasing or improved supplier performance in the past.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with ERP/MRP systems and Excel. If you have any qualifications like CIPS, make sure to include those too! We want to see what makes you stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gerrell & Hard
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Buyer, you'll be dealing with a high-volume, high-SKU environment. Brush up on your knowledge of stock levels, demand forecasts, and MRP requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've managed similar situations in the past and what metrics you used to measure success.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Strong supplier management is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with suppliers. Think about specific negotiations you've led and how you held suppliers accountable for quality and delivery. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
In a fast-paced purchasing role, issues will arise. Be prepared to share instances where you've proactively resolved supply issues or discrepancies. Highlight your solutions-focused approach and how it positively impacted your previous workplace.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role involves working closely with various teams like Sales, Warehouse, and Finance. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Emphasise your communication skills and how you can influence and challenge suppliers while maintaining strong internal relationships.