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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier performance and support procurement activities in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Global engineering firm known for innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in a technical manufacturing setting.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and MRP/ERP experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
A well-established global engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking an Operational Buyer to join its expanding procurement team. The company operates within a highly technical and fast-paced manufacturing environment, supplying advanced engineered products into a range of innovative industrial sectors worldwide. With a strong reputation for operational excellence, continuous improvement, and long-term investment in people and technology, this is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their procurement career within a stable and forward-thinking business.
The Role
As an Operational Buyer, you will be responsible for ensuring strong supplier performance across your assigned supplier portfolio, focusing on delivery, cost, and quality targets. You will work closely with internal stakeholders across Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain to support day-to-day procurement activities and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This role would suit someone with previous procurement or purchasing experience gained within manufacturing, engineering, or another technical environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Raise purchase orders and manage supplier communications across multiple channels.
- React to MRP system messages to expedite, defer, or cancel orders.
- Issue RFQs, analyse supplier quotations, and support new part setup activities.
- Resolve delivery discrepancies, quality issues, invoice queries, and production shortages.
- Identify cost-saving and value engineering opportunities within the supply base.
- Support engineering changes, obsolete part management, and replacement part activities.
- Work collaboratively with Engineering and Operations teams on continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support sourcing activities linked to New Product Introduction (NPI) and outsourcing projects.
What We're Looking For
- Minimum 2-3 years' experience within Procurement or Purchasing.
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering, or technical industries preferred.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience using MRP/ERP systems.
- Proven ability to manage delivery and cost targets.
- Good communication and stakeholder management skills.
- CIPS Level 4 qualified (or working towards) advantageous.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
What's On Offer
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Excellent career progression and development opportunities.
- Collaborative and supportive working culture.
- Opportunity to join a globally recognised engineering organisation.
If you are an ambitious procurement professional looking to grow within a highly technical and innovative manufacturing environment, we would be keen to hear from you.
Operational Buyer in Bath employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Buyer in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Operational Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage costs and supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Buyer in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in manufacturing or engineering, to show us you're a great fit for the Operational Buyer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our needs. Share specific examples of your achievements in supplier management and cost-saving initiatives to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your negotiation skills and experience with MRP/ERP systems. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed delivery and cost targets in your previous roles, so be sure to include those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity within our collaborative team.
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in manufacturing and engineering contexts. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with supplier management, negotiation tactics, and how you've handled delivery discrepancies or quality issues.
✨Familiarise Yourself with MRP/ERP Systems
Since the role involves using MRP/ERP systems, make sure you understand how these systems work. If you have experience with specific software, be prepared to share examples of how you've used it to manage orders or improve supplier performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples where you've identified cost-saving opportunities or resolved conflicts with suppliers, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share instances where you've collaborated with engineering or operations teams on continuous improvement initiatives, showcasing your ability to drive results through collaboration.