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- Tasks: Manage procurement and supplier relationships to ensure material availability and drive performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing organisation that values innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of exciting projects and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
We are seeking a highly capable Buyer to join a dynamic and fast-moving manufacturing organisation. This role is pivotal in ensuring material availability, driving supplier performance, supporting multiple New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, and continually improving cost, quality, and delivery performance. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, can manage competing priorities, and excels in building strong supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Supplier Management: Manage the end-to-end procurement of direct and indirect materials to ensure operational continuity. Develop and maintain robust relationships with existing and new suppliers to secure competitive pricing, quality, and delivery performance. Lead supplier performance reviews, setting KPIs for OTIF, quality, cost reduction, and service levels. Identify and mitigate supply risks, implementing contingency plans as required. Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and long-term commercial arrangements.
- NPI & Project Management: Act as the purchasing lead for multiple NPI and engineering change projects, ensuring component readiness for prototype, pre-production, and full production phases. Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to source new components, obtain quotations, and evaluate technical feasibility. Track project timelines, ensuring procurement deliverables are met in line with overall project milestones. Drive cost optimisation for new projects without compromising quality or lead times.
- Operational Excellence: Support continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain functions. Drive measurable improvement in supplier OTIF performance, working cross-functionally to resolve delivery issues and root causes. Maintain accurate purchasing data including lead times, MOQ, pricing, and supplier performance metrics. Ensure compliance with internal policies, processes, and audit requirements.
- Problem Solving & Pressure Management: Respond quickly to production shortages, quality issues, or unexpected supplier constraints. Demonstrate resilience in high-pressure situations, balancing short-term operational needs with long-term supply chain improvements. Manage conflicting tasks and priorities effectively, ensuring key deliverables are met on time.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience as a Senior Buyer, Buyer, or Procurement Specialist within a fast-paced manufacturing environment (automotive, aerospace, FMCG, engineering, or similar).
- Strong background in managing multiple NPI projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to operate under pressure with tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Experience driving improvements in supplier OTIF, cost reduction initiatives, and supply chain performance.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs (desirable).
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and strong analytical/reporting capabilities.
- CIPS qualification or working towards it (beneficial).
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with strong project management capability.
- Confident decision-maker with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
- Resilient, adaptable, and able to perform in a high-demand environment.
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.
Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Gleeson Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Gleeson Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Show them you understand their challenges and how you can help improve their procurement processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing pricing and contracts. Confidence in these discussions can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you're serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement and supplier management, especially in fast-paced environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve improved supplier performance or driven cost reductions. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about the Buyer position and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and its procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with their products and any recent news or projects they’ve been involved in. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built strong relationships with suppliers in the past. Prepare to share stories about successful negotiations, performance reviews, and how you’ve tackled supply risks. This will demonstrate your capability in managing supplier performance effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Prowess
Since the role involves managing multiple NPI projects, come prepared with examples that highlight your project management skills. Talk about how you’ve tracked timelines, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and ensured deliverables were met. This will showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Expect questions about how you handle high-pressure situations. Prepare to discuss times when you’ve successfully managed conflicting priorities or resolved urgent issues. Highlight your resilience and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial for the Buyer role.