At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and develop exciting new products while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a successful, product-led business in Bradford with a collaborative team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a 4-day work week option, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative workplace.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving product innovation and sustainability in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and excellent attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Location: Bradford, BD4
Salary: Negotiable
Working Pattern: Full-time | 4-day working week option | Flexible hours between 6:00am–6:00pm
Permanent
About the Role
On behalf of our client, we are looking to appoint an experienced Buyer to join their established Purchasing team based in Bradford. This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful and growing product-led business, taking ownership of a defined product range and working closely with suppliers and internal teams to source and develop new products. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the product lifecycle, from initial concept and supplier sourcing through to product launch, while also supporting the ongoing development and performance of the existing range.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and develop new products for the assigned category/range, from initial concept and briefing through to sample approval and launch.
- Identify, evaluate and onboard new suppliers and manufacturers.
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms and lead times with suppliers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, monitoring performance, quality and reliability.
- Collect, verify and maintain product compliance and safety documentation, including relevant test certificates, CE/UKCA markings and REACH requirements.
- Ensure products meet relevant legal, safety and retailer requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement across existing products, working with suppliers to improve quality, cost and sustainability.
- Manage stock availability and demand forecasting across the assigned range.
- Work closely with suppliers and the Operations team to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Manage the critical path for new product launches, ensuring products are delivered on time.
- Coordinate closely with E-commerce and Operations teams throughout the product development and launch process.
- Analyse sales performance, market trends and customer feedback to identify opportunities for range development and improvement.
- Manage product costing and margins, negotiating with suppliers to support profitability targets.
- Work with suppliers to plan production timelines and coordinate with freight forwarders and logistics partners to ensure timely shipment and delivery.
- Communicate product and supply chain changes effectively to internal teams to support appropriate planning.
- Support the Purchasing Manager with wider category, product and supplier strategy as required.
About the Candidate
We are looking for an experienced Buyer or Purchasing professional who is commercially focused, highly organised and confident managing suppliers and product ranges. You will ideally have:
- Previous experience in a Buying or Purchasing role, ideally within retail, e-commerce or a product-led environment.
- Experience sourcing suppliers and developing new products from concept through to launch.
- Knowledge of product compliance and safety requirements relevant to the category.
- Strong supplier negotiation skills, including experience managing cost and margin.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills.
- Excellent Excel skills, with experience of PLM, ERP or supplier management systems advantageous.
- Excellent attention to detail, particularly around compliance and documentation.
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple products, suppliers and projects simultaneously.
- Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience.
Working Hours & Salary
Working hours: Flexible between 6:00am and 6:00pm. 4-day working week option available. Permanent position. Location: Bradford, BD4.
Buyer employer: Hawk 3 Talent Solutions
Join a dynamic and inclusive team in Leeds, where your expertise as a Financial Controller will be valued and nurtured. We offer competitive salaries, a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth, and the opportunity to make a significant impact within a diverse organisation. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, you'll thrive in an environment that prioritises both personal and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Hawk 3 Talent Solutions.
✨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
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 Hawk 3 Talent Solutions:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hawk 3 Talent Solutions. 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 Hawk 3 Talent Solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawk 3 Talent Solutions
✨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 Hawk 3 Talent Solutions!
✨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 Hawk 3 Talent Solutions. 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 Hawk 3 Talent Solutions's culture.
