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- 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: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of metal properties required.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) are continuing to invest and grow, and we are looking to add a Senior Buyer to our Supply Chain and Logistics 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 Senior 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:
- 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 680,000ft2 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.
Senior Buyer in Sheffield employer: Independent Forgings and Alloys
Contact Detail:
Independent Forgings and Alloys Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching IFA and understanding their operations. Familiarise yourself with their products and the specific metals they use. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the IFA team and are serious about the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience in metals and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for IFA. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your negotiation skills and understanding of metal properties. Let us know why you want to join our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves cost analysis and performance monitoring, be sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. Share examples of how you've used data-driven decision-making in past roles. We love numbers as much as we love forging!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining IFA!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Forgings and Alloys
✨Know Your Metals
As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate 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’ve sourced and negotiated for these in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight how you secured competitive pricing or favourable terms with suppliers. This will show that you can handle the negotiation and contract management aspects of the role effectively.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with the entire supply chain process, especially how procurement impacts inventory levels and production. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with other teams like Quality and Planning to ensure smooth operations.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since analytical skills are crucial for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive decisions. Discuss any KPIs you've monitored and how they influenced your procurement strategies, showcasing your ability to analyse cost drivers.
