At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and purchase materials, manage suppliers, and ensure production continuity.
- Company: Join one of Scotland's leading home improvement brands with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, solid pension, 31 days holiday, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company committed to service excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing within manufacturing or construction; CIPS qualifications preferred.
- Other info: Enjoy job security and fantastic career growth opportunities.
Headquartered in Dunfermline and with multiple locations throughout Scotland, GRW Talent's client is amongst the UK's largest home improvement companies with a highly recognisable and established brand that is synonymous with quality. Due to continuous sales growth in both their domestic and commercial customer bases, they now need to make the key hire of a Technical Purchaser at their manufacturing facility.
They are looking for an experienced and dedicated Purchasing Officer to support their busy manufacturing site and broader operations. You will take responsibility for a range of commodity procurement, supplier management and negotiation for a number of different products.
You will be responsible for:
- Source and purchase profiles (uPVC / aluminium), glass units, hardware, seals, fixings, and consumables in line with production schedules.
- Build strong relationships with approved suppliers, negotiate pricing, lead times, rebates, and resolve supply or quality issues quickly.
- Monitor stock levels to ensure continuity of production.
- Work closely with production, planning, and logistics teams to prioritise urgent orders, manage shortages, and respond to last-minute changes.
- Raise, track, and expedite purchase orders; ensure deliveries are correct.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through alternative suppliers, bulk buying, or material substitutions without compromising quality or compliance.
- Ensure purchased materials meet industry standards, certifications, and company quality requirements; handle non-conformances and returns.
- Track KPIs such as on-time delivery, quality performance, and pricing stability; support supplier improvement where needed.
- Maintain accurate purchasing data in MRP/ERP systems, including pricing, lead times, and minimum order quantities.
- Anticipate supply chain risks (shortages, price volatility, transport delays) and put contingency plans in place.
- Liaise with sales, estimating, production planning, and finance to align purchasing with forecasts, margins, and customer commitments.
We are looking for a proven Purchasing / Procurement professional with experience in a manufacturing, construction or complex engineered products. We would be especially keen to hear from candidates used to working in high SKU / product mix environments with short cycle and product manufacturing turnaround times. Ideally, you have foundation level CIPS qualifications or are currently working towards them.
This is a unique opportunity to join one of Scotland's leading brands, offering fantastic career opportunities and the autonomy to make a real difference within an organisation already committed to growth, service excellence and uncompromising safety standards. Candidates can expect superb job security, ongoing training and career development. Your excellent base salary is supplemented by a solid company pension and 31 days holiday per year.
To apply to this role please contact our recruitment partner Katie Hydes at GRW Talent.
Purchasing Officer in Cowdenbeath employer: GRW Talent limited
Contact Detail:
GRW Talent limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Officer in Cowdenbeath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Purchasing Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show off your knowledge about their operations and how you can contribute to their success in procurement. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Purchasing Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate with suppliers. We suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can give you an edge. Let’s get you that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Officer in Cowdenbeath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Officer role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement, supplier management, and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with high SKU environments and any CIPS qualifications you have or are pursuing.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you save costs, improve supplier relationships, or streamline processes? We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at GRW Talent limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes and the specific materials you'll be dealing with, like uPVC and aluminium. Familiarise yourself with industry standards and certifications to show you're serious about quality.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Discuss your experience in supplier management and negotiation, and share examples of how you've successfully resolved supply or quality issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've tracked KPIs in previous roles. Highlight your ability to anticipate supply chain risks and how you've implemented contingency plans to ensure smooth operations.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's procurement strategies and how they align with their growth goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their success.