Junior Buyer in Plymouth

Job Title: Junior Buyer
Department: Supply Chain
Reports to: Technical Buyer
Direct Reports: None
Location: HQW Aerospace, Plymouth, PL6 7LH
Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday – Friday
Contract Type: Permanent

About us:
HQW Aerospace is a world-renowned manufacturer of super precision bearings, pushing the boundaries of innovation and precision engineering for over 75 years. We're committed to nurturing talent. Situated in the vibrant city of Plymouth, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, we offer not only a stimulating work environment but also a lifestyle that blends work with leisure seamlessly. With stunning beaches, vibrant culinary scenes, and a plethora of social and sporting activities, Plymouth and its surroundings provide an exceptional backdrop for both personal and professional growth.

Job Purpose:
As a Junior Buyer, you will support the Procurement team in sourcing materials and services, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring components and products are available to meet production and business requirements. Working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, you will develop your procurement knowledge while gaining valuable experience within a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Raise, manage and expedite purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of materials and services
• Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, lead times, pricing and delivery schedules
• Support supplier performance monitoring through the collection and reporting of key performance data
• Assist in the management of stock availability and procurement planning activities
• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve delivery issues, shortages and quality concerns
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information and procurement documentation
• Support cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain
• Develop an understanding of technical drawings, specifications and engineering requirements to support purchasing activities
• Build effective working relationships with suppliers and internal departments including Production, Planning, Engineering and Stores
• Support sourcing activities, supplier evaluations and quotation exercises

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Confident using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
• Ability to build effective working relationships with suppliers and external stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach
• An interest in procurement, supply chain and manufacturing environments

Desirable

• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, administrative or supply chain role
• Understanding of purchasing, supply chain or manufacturing processes

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths

Desirable

• A Levels, BTEC, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification
• Relevant procurement, business or supply chain qualification
  

Personal Attributes

• Positive and proactive approach.
• Reliable and highly organised.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer and supplier focus.
• Willingness to learn and take ownership of tasks.
• Strong attention to detail

Development Opportunities
This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop a career within procurement and supply chain. The successful candidate will gain exposure to technical purchasing, supplier management, inventory control and strategic sourcing activities, with the opportunity to progress into Buyer and Technical Buyer roles as experience and capability develop.