At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate with suppliers for production and non-production materials.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturer in high-voltage X-ray technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: On-site role in Byfleet with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in diverse sectors like aerospace and medical research.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of buying experience with strong negotiation skills.
Senior Buyer
About Gulmay - We are a world-leading manufacturer of high-voltage X-ray generators, controllers, and complete X-ray subsystems used in medical research, security, and industrial non-destructive testing (NDT).
We provide equipment for sectors like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and baggage screening.
We are looking for a Senior Buyer to work in our Byfleet Office.
This position requires on-site presence and is not a remote role.
Key Responsibilities for Senior Buyer role: Direct Procurement (Production Materials & Components)
- Source suppliers aligned with technical, quality, capacity, and commercial requirements.
- Identify and onboard suppliers for new products, technologies, and customer‑specific requirements.
- Qualify suppliers in line with internal procedures, including participation in supplier audits where required.
- Collect material and commercial requirements from sales orders, MRP, engineering changes, and production plans.
- Request, analyse, evaluate, and maintain RFQs, assessing cost, lead time, quality, and supply risk.
- Lead negotiations on pricing, payment terms, Incoterms, and lead times.
- Develop and execute procurement and negotiation strategies for assigned commodities.
- Manage supplier contracts and ensure ongoing compliance with agreed commercial terms.
- Identify and deliver cost‑reduction initiatives, including price negotiations, re‑sourcing, and supplier consolidation.
- Support supply continuity through dual‑sourcing strategies and structured risk‑mitigation planning.
- Monitor purchasing spend and ensure compliance with company procurement policies and controls.
- Key Responsibilities for Senior Buyer role: Indirect Procurement (Non-Production Spend)
- Source non‑production goods and services in line with business requirements.
- Manage RFQs and commercial evaluations across indirect spend categories.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, service levels, and contract conditions.
- Convert approved requisitions into purchase orders accurately and within required timelines.
- Issue, track, and manage indirect purchase orders through to completion.
- Manage supplier contracts, renewals, and compliance obligations.
- Monitor supplier performance, service delivery, and cost effectiveness.
- Conduct bi‑yearly supplier performance and indirect spend reviews.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, standardisation, and supplier consolidation.
- Ensure accurate supplier and pricing data is maintained in ERP systems.
- Monitor indirect spend against budgets and ensure adherence to procurement policies.
- Maintain a clear and well‑structured Share Point repository for supplier‑related documentation (e. g. contracts, NDAs, agreements), ensuring document status is updated and records are saved accurately and in a timely manner.
The Senior Buyer will need to have at least 5 years Senior Buyer experience and must have great negotiating and communicating skills as well as being be a team player
Senior Buyer employer: Gulmay
Gulmay is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Byfleet where innovation meets collaboration. As a leader in high-voltage X-ray technology, we provide our employees with opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a supportive culture that values teamwork and excellence. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that is making a significant impact across various industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨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 Gulmay.
✨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
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 Gulmay:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gulmay. 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 Gulmay.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gulmay
✨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 Gulmay!
✨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 Gulmay. 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 Gulmay's culture.
