At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and build supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Growing technical business in Poole with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: £30,000 salary, pension, life assurance, up to 25 days holiday, and training support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative team.
- Why this job: Take ownership of procurement and develop your career in a structured supply chain.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or procurement roles and strong communication skills.
Manage day-to-day purchasing activity across parts, materials and services.
Raise, progress and expedite purchase orders through to delivery.
Monitor shortages, low stock, quotations and supplier performance.
Work closely with internal teams to maintain supply continuity.
Develop supplier relationships within a structured purchasing environment.
This role is with a growing technical business in Poole, supporting purchasing activity across components, materials and services. The Buyer will take ownership of day-to-day procurement, ensuring supply requirements are managed cost-effectively and delivered on time. This position would suit someone with existing buying or purchasing experience who wants to develop further within a busy technical supply chain environment.
Day-to-day responsibilities:
- Purchase components, spare parts, materials and services in line with business requirements.
- Raise, progress and expedite purchase orders to support operational deadlines.
- Monitor low stock reports, shortages and outstanding quotations.
- Work with suppliers to resolve delivery, quality, pricing and service issues.
- Obtain quotations and negotiate pricing, lead times and commercial terms where needed.
- Build and maintain relationships with existing suppliers.
- Identify alternative sourcing options where supply, cost or lead time risks appear.
- Work closely with internal departments to maintain supply continuity.
- Monitor supplier performance and highlight risks that could affect delivery schedules.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier data and order information.
- Support supplier development, procurement improvements and wider purchasing projects.
What they’re looking for:
- Experience in a Buyer, Purchasing Assistant, Procurement Coordinator or similar role.
- Able to place, manage and progress purchase orders through to delivery.
- Confident dealing with suppliers to resolve supply, delivery and pricing issues.
- Good commercial awareness when comparing cost, quality and lead time.
- Organised and able to manage multiple suppliers, orders and priorities at once.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Confident communicator with suppliers and internal teams.
- Able to work independently and take ownership of workload.
- Good attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
- Competent with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
Desirable:
- Experience in engineering, manufacturing, technical supply chain or similar environments.
- Experience purchasing components, spare parts or technical products.
- ERP or MRP system exposure.
- Degree, CIPS or equivalent procurement-related qualification.
What’s on offer:
A salary of £30,000. A role with ownership of supplier relationships, purchase orders and day-to-day procurement activity. The chance to develop further within Purchasing and Supply Chain in a structured technical business. Company pension, life assurance, company sick pay, free on-site parking and up to 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. Training and development support for a Buyer looking to progress their procurement career.
How to apply:
If you’re interested in this role, get in touch to talk through the purchasing scope and supplier base. Call or message Hayden at Holt Engineering.
Buyer in Broadstone employer: Holt Engineering
Join a well-established and rapidly expanding manufacturing business that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. As an Area Sales Manager, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, excellent bonus structure, and comprehensive training, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With the opportunity to build long-term customer relationships across the South East, this role offers meaningful engagement and the chance to make a significant impact within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Broadstone
✨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 Holt Engineering.
✨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 Broadstone
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 Holt Engineering:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Holt Engineering. 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 Holt Engineering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Engineering
✨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 Holt Engineering!
✨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 Holt Engineering. 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 Holt Engineering's culture.
