At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing activities and support supplier performance in a dynamic supply chain environment.
- Company: Join CVI Infrared Optics, a leader in advanced optical components since 1982.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional growth, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression into procurement leadership roles.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving strategic sourcing decisions and enhancing supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
CVI Infrared Optics is a part of the IDEX Materials, Science and Solutions (MSS) platform. Besides our unique capabilities in manufacturing large optics from visible to longwave, we are backed by the combined capabilities of our platform. CVI offers a full spectrum of optical engineering, manufacturing, and assembly expertise. Together we can support all our customers with more engineering expertise, broader capabilities, and extensive manufacturing resources. Since 1982, CVI Infrared Optics has been manufacturing advanced optical components for high performance optronics systems. We have become the leading experts in manufacturing and integration of large optics from visible, and near infrared, to longwave infrared, that can continuously perform in extreme weather climates and harsh conditions.
Job Purpose: Act as the Lead Buyer within the Supply Chain function by supporting complex purchases, key suppliers and their performance. Provide data-driven insight, resolve escalations and guide purchasing activity to ensure decisions support the supply chain strategy. Strengthen supplier capability awareness, support cross-functional issue resolution and lead the Buyer through best-practice behaviour and clear communication.
Main Duties to Include:
- Support PO Placement - Guide CS, Planning and Purchasing from PO request through to supplier acknowledgement.
- Inventory Turns management - Negotiate delivery schedules that directly improve Inventory Turns KPI.
- Supplier Development - Work with internal teams on supplier onboarding, quality concerns and deviation management.
- Strategic Spend support - Collate RFQ data, compare options and provide tactical cost analysis for strategic buying decisions.
- Maintain Supplier Matrix - Own and update the Supplier Matrix to support RFQ activity and supplier selection.
- Procurement Escalations - Manage supplier escalations, including expediting and freight issues and close them out effectively.
- Supplier KPIs & Performance - Own KPI dashboard updates, analyse KPI performance and provide clear data insights to support supplier development.
- Supplier Spend Trend – Review supplier spend patterns and share analysis to guide sustainable supplier focus and future purchasing direction.
- Mediate communication - Bridge conversations between internal stakeholders and suppliers to resolve issues quickly.
- Purchasing Daily Meeting ownership - Own and drive timely closure of issues raised in the Supply Chain Daily Meeting dashboard.
- Lead by Example - Support the Buyer’s learning, capability growth and process discipline through inclusivity, clear communication and consistent best practice behaviour.
The responsibilities listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks to be performed. Additional duties are likely to be required as directed by the Department Manager.
KPIs / Measures:
- Supplier OTD - across materials or high spend consumables
- Lead time adherence - across critical materials
- Tactical cost savings - delivered through negotiations on RFQs and repeat business
- Inventory Turns - supported through improved delivery schedules
- RFQ accuracy - Supplier spend balance accuracy
Growth: In this role, you’ll expand your advanced operational expertise across purchasing and supply management by taking ownership of complex PO placement, backlog control, expediting and supplier communication. You’ll apply your existing capability to manage higher risk suppliers, resolve escalations and influence purchasing decisions with clear, data driven insight.
You’ll strengthen your ability to interpret supplier constraints early, provide Planning with reliable supply intelligence and guide cross functional discussions that support stable material flow. You’ll enhance your tactical sourcing capability by comparing RFQ outcomes, assessing supplier performance and shaping purchasing recommendations that align with the wider supply chain strategy.
As you progress, you’ll deepen your awareness of strategic procurement measures, including cost drivers, capacity pressures, supplier behaviours and early indicators of supply risk, enabling you to contribute more effectively to supplier development and longer term improvement initiatives. This role builds the foundation for progression into broader procurement leadership, where you’ll influence sourcing direction, supplier capability and cross functional decision making at a higher level.
Key relationships:
- Supply Chain - Understanding end to end operations and how purchasing activity supports the full flow.
- Engineering - Managing specification requests, technical queries, and product quality considerations.
- Planning - Supporting demand forecasting, supply continuity, and accurate material availability information.
- Production - Responding to showstoppers, supporting contingency actions, and ensuring material readiness.
- Quality - Coordinating supplier quality assurance, inspection requirements, and quality related communications.
- Finance - Invoice queries, cost analysis, and payment alignment.
- Sales - Supporting project kick offs, customer expectations and On Time Delivery performance.
- Customer Service - Providing accurate lead times, delivery updates, and supply related support.
- Suppliers - Engaging across the supply base, including strategic initiatives, performance management and day-to-day purchasing activity.
Experience:
- Established procurement professional
- Supplier relationship management
- ERP/MRP proficiency
- Data driven decision making
- Cross functional collaboration
- Effective negotiation experience
- Team based working
- Exposure to Contract Agreement
- Understanding of T’s and C’s and Compliance
Skills / Abilities:
- Strong communication skills
- Clear English proficiency
- Computing skills
- Prioritisation & workload management
- Influencing & driving best outcomes
- ERP discipline & data accuracy
- Analytical capability
- Problem solving ability
Personal Attributes:
- Autonomous decision maker
- Commercially aware mindset
- Team focused attitude
- Self drive & determination
- Clear & confident communicator
- Calm under pressure
- Process disciplined behaviour
- Problem solving mindset
Lead Buyer employer: IDEX
At IDEX Material Processing Technologies, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of trust, teamwork, and excellence. Located in Evesham, Worcestershire, our inclusive environment encourages collaboration among talented professionals dedicated to solving complex challenges in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth and continuous improvement, we offer meaningful opportunities for career advancement while celebrating diversity and ensuring every voice is valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead 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 IDEX.
✨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 Lead 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 IDEX:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to IDEX. 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 IDEX.
How to prepare for a job interview at IDEX
✨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 IDEX!
✨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 IDEX. 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 IDEX's culture.
