Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate high-quality raw materials for forging operations.
- Company: Join Independent Forgings and Alloys, a leading aerospace and industrial forger in the UK.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension scheme, bonus opportunities, and health cash plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team and make a real impact in the manufacturing sector.
- Qualifications: 3+ years procurement experience in metals and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic work environment.
Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week). Hours of work – 08.15 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday. Friday 8:15am – 16:00 (37 hours).
Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) are continuing to invest and grow, and we are looking to add to our Procurement team. Over the last few years, we have invested in the business and have successfully doubled our turnover. We are looking to continue this growth and are looking for the right people to help us join our team.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Raw Materials Buyer to source, negotiate, and secure high-quality raw materials essential to our forging operations - including metal billets, ingots and bar stock. You will play a key role in ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and adherence to technical specifications. Working closely with Commercial, Quality Engineering, Inventory Control and Planning, you will help maintain optimal inventory levels and support smooth, efficient operational performance.
Main duties of the role include:
- Procurement & Sourcing - Source and purchase forging-grade metals, develop an effective sourcing strategy, evaluate and audit suppliers, and monitor global metal markets to maintain quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
- Negotiation & Contract Management – Negotiate pricing, payment terms, deliveries and long-term supply agreements; ensure contracts meet technical and certification requirements; and issue purchase orders while maintaining accurate procurement records.
- Technical & Quality Alignment – Collaborate with Quality and Production to ensure materials meet forging specifications, review mill certifications and MTRs, and resolve any material-related issues promptly.
- Inventory & Supply Continuity – Work with Planning, Production, and Commercial teams to maintain inventory, mitigate supply risks, and coordinate efficient inbound deliveries.
- Cost & Performance Analysis – Monitor procurement KPIs, analyse cost drivers, and support budgeting and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Compliance & Documentation – Ensure compliance with industry standards, maintain procurement and supplier records, and uphold ethical sourcing and corporate policies.
Qualifications / Experience
Essential:
- At least 3+ years procurement experience in metals, forging, machining, steel mills, or heavy manufacturing.
- A strong understanding of steel grades, alloys, metal properties, and forging material requirements.
- Demonstrable key supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Excellent analytical and cost-modelling skills, leading to data-driven decision making.
- Able to read technical drawings and material specs.
- Proficient IT skills including working knowledge of ERP.
Desirable:
- Qualifications in Supply Chain, Business, Metallurgy, Engineering, or related field.
- Driving licence.
About Independent Forgings
Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is one of Britain’s leading independent aerospace and industrial forgers. The unique feature about IFA is the combination of open and closed-die forging while also undertaking the whole production process from raw material to the finished product in one location. Operating from a facility in Sheffield, we manufacture high-integrity, open-die and closed-die forged components in nickel alloy, titanium, stainless steel and carbon alloys for customers and tier-one suppliers within the aerospace, nuclear, power generation, marine as well as oil and gas sector.
Why work for us?
At IFA we pride ourselves on being a great place to work. As one of the UK’s leading forge manufacturing companies we want to ensure that we attract, motivate and retain the best people who can deliver the best service to the company and our customers.
We offer you:
- Holidays – you will have 33 days holiday, including bank holidays.
- Pension scheme – IFA wants to provide its employees a good foundation for life after work and hence offers a 5% contribution.
- Bonus scheme – this is linked to team and company performance.
- Westfield cash plan – IFA provides level 1 health cash plan which comes along with numerous discounts and special offers, including gym discounts, online, high street and grocery retailers and many more.
- Wellhub – access to various fitness apps and gyms in the local area.
- Free work wear and PPE.
- Development – we offer genuine development opportunities to progress your career.
Raw Materials Buyer employer: Independent Forgings and Alloys
Contact Detail:
Independent Forgings and Alloys Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Raw Materials Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, especially in the metals and forging sector, so you can show you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Raw Materials Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Raw Materials Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Raw Materials Buyer and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your CV: When you send us your CV, make it specific to this role. Highlight your procurement experience in metals and any relevant skills that match the job requirements. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Don't skip the cover letter! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Share specific examples of your negotiation skills and supplier management experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Once you're ready, hit that application button on our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. We can't wait to see what you've got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Forgings and Alloys
✨Know Your Materials
As a Raw Materials Buyer, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of steel grades, alloys, and metal properties. Brush up on your knowledge of forging materials and be ready to discuss how you can ensure quality and compliance in your procurement processes.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully secured favourable terms. Highlight your relationship management skills and how you've built strong supplier partnerships. This will demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively for the company.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the global metal markets. Be prepared to discuss how you would monitor these trends to maintain cost competitiveness and supply continuity. Showing that you’re proactive about market analysis can set you apart.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Emphasise your experience working with cross-functional teams like Quality Engineering and Inventory Control. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to improved operational performance or resolved material-related issues quickly.
