At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and drive cost-effective procurement for our manufacturing operations.
- Company: Join Gripple, a game-changing, employee-owned business with a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy share ownership, 32 days holiday, private healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced role while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Unleash your potential. Change the game with Gripple. We’re on the hunt for an experienced and motivated Buyer to join our Supply Chain team. This is an exciting opportunity, working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, playing a key role in ensuring the timely and cost-effective supply of materials and components into our UK manufacturing operations.
Why Gripple? We’re not just innovators—we’re game-changers. Since 1989, Gripple has led the charge in wire joining and suspension systems. As a 100% employee-owned business, we don’t just hire talent—we invest in it. You’ll be backed by a global infrastructure, a powerhouse support team, and a culture that champions ownership, passion, and performance.
What’s in it for you:
- Share ownership: Buy a stake in Gripple and the GLIDE group and share in our success
- 15% non-contributory pension
- 32 days’ holiday, increasing with long service
- Private healthcare, family-focused policies, and exceptional benefits that support your wellbeing at every stage
The role: This is a varied and fast-paced role that will see you managing supplier relationships, supporting new product introductions, leading sourcing activities, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that deliver value to the business. You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement process, from sourcing and supplier selection through to contract management, performance monitoring, and cost optimisation.
What you’ll be doing:
- Sourcing materials, components, and services to support manufacturing and business requirements
- Benchmarking suppliers and obtaining quotations to ensure competitive pricing, service, and value
- Leading sourcing activities for new components, working from material specifications, technical requirements, and engineering drawings
- Supporting new product introduction projects through supplier selection, tooling, sampling, and production readiness activities
- Identifying, assessing, and onboarding new suppliers, ensuring compliance with quality, ethical, and performance standards
- Building strong working relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders across Sales & Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Finance
- Negotiating pricing, payment terms, contracts, and service agreements to maximise commercial value and minimise risk
- Conducting cost analysis and identifying opportunities for cost reduction, standardisation, and process improvement
- Monitoring supplier performance against agreed KPIs and service level expectations, driving improvements where required
- Managing supplier risks and supporting business continuity through contingency planning and dual-sourcing initiatives
- Producing and presenting purchasing reports, market analysis, and performance data for internal stakeholders
- Supporting inventory optimisation, supplier lead time improvements, and working capital objectives
- Contributing to continuous improvement projects across the wider Supply Chain function
Who you are: You will be an organised and self-motivated procurement professional with strong commercial awareness and excellent relationship-building skills. You enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively, and delivering results in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Previous experience in a Buyer, Procurement, Purchasing & Demand Planning or Supply Chain role
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Ability to interpret technical specifications and engineering drawings
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure
Desirable Experience:
- Experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- CIPS qualification or working towards one
- Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) projects
- Knowledge of supplier performance management and strategic sourcing techniques
What you'll bring:
- A proactive and positive attitude
- Strong attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset
- Commercial awareness and sound decision-making skills
- A collaborative approach with a focus on delivering results
- The ability to challenge constructively and identify opportunities for improvement
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking business where you will have the opportunity to make a real impact on supplier performance, cost management, and the ongoing success of our manufacturing operations.
Working hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm. The Company operates a flexible working policy, with office hours of 7.00am-7.00pm Monday-Friday.
The Gripple Spirit: Our values – fun, integrity, passion, entrepreneurship, teamwork, innovation – aren’t just words on a wall. They shape everything we do. Join us, and you’ll experience true work-life balance, an inclusive and caring workplace where your ideas matter, and your impact is felt globally.
Closing date: 7th September 2026. Bring your ambition. We’ll bring the opportunity. Join a team where everyone belongs. We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued with a sense of belonging.
Buyer in Sheffield employer: Gripple
Gripple is an exceptional employer located in Sheffield, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, a non-contributory pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlement, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a thriving city known for its rich industrial heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Sheffield
✨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 Gripple.
✨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 in Sheffield
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 Gripple:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gripple. 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 Gripple.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gripple
✨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 Gripple!
✨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 Gripple. 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 Gripple's culture.
