At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing activities and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading manufacturing company focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Clear progression paths and supportive work culture for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping strategic sourcing decisions and driving cost optimisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within complex manufacturing and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Our client operates in a highly complex, fast-paced manufacturing environment where procurement is central to driving performance and competitive advantage. You'll join a high-performing, agile team, working closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Legal. This is a visible role with real influence, offering exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to shape strategic sourcing decisions.
Taking ownership of a defined commodity area, you'll lead sourcing activity and manage supplier relationships to deliver best-in-class outcomes across cost, quality, and innovation.
Your new role:
- Own end-to-end sourcing across commodities
- Negotiate and implement robust supplier contracts aligned to business goals
- Drive cost optimisation and deliver tangible savings
- Develop and execute forward-thinking commodity strategies
- Lead supplier selection, evaluation, and sourcing recommendations
- Ensure supplier performance meets programme targets (cost, quality, timing, technical)
- Act as the key interface for supplier relationship management (SRM)
- Support risk mitigation, total cost analysis, and supply chain resilience
- Work cross-functionally to align commercial, technical, and quality requirements
What you'll need to succeed:
- Proven procurement experience within complex manufacturing (e.g. automotive, aerospace, mobility)
- Strong background in commodity strategy development and execution
- Commercially astute, with solid cost analysis and cost breakdown experience
- Confident negotiating within technical, fast-paced environments
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Analytical, detail-driven, and solutions-focused
- Clear and effective communicator
- Track record of building high-performing supplier relationships
- Degree (or equivalent) in Business, Engineering, or related field desirable
- CIPS (or equivalent) advantageous
What you'll get in return:
- Competitive salary + discretionary bonus
- Clear progression and structured development
- Generous holiday with flexible options
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Private medical and wellbeing support
- Flexible, lifestyle-led benefits package
- Progressive parental leave
- Additional support including EAP and financial wellbeing tools
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Buyer in Woking employer: Hays
Join a well-established ecological consultancy in Kent that prioritises work-life balance and professional development. With a collaborative team culture and a commitment to delivering high-quality ecological advice, this company offers meaningful career progression opportunities for ecologists. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and the chance to work on diverse projects across the South East and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Woking
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Woking
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 Hays:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays. 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 Hays.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 Hays!
✨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 Hays. 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 Hays's culture.
