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- Tasks: Manage purchasing for manufacturing, build supplier relationships, and track stock levels.
- Company: Join a well-established engineering company with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured work week with a focus on collaboration and efficiency.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact in the supply chain.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in purchasing or supply chain preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We at JKR are excited to be partnering with one of our longest standing clients in recruiting a brand-new Buyer position! This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and growing engineering company. Our client has been in operation for over 40 years and they are continuing to expand their customer base and service offering. We are looking for a highly proactive individual, who will be overseeing all sub‑contract suppliers associated with our client's manufacturing, ensuring products are progressed efficiently to meet customer delivery requirements. The position also involves maintaining accurate cost and expenditure records, managing data and supporting general purchasing activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day‑to‑day purchasing for all sub‑contract operations associated with manufacturing, including order placement, confirmations and delivery tracking.
- Build strong working relationships with suppliers and assist in negotiating pricing, terms, and lead times.
- Work with the Quality Department to identify alternative suppliers to strengthen supply resilience and mitigate production risks.
- Monitor supplier performance (On Time, In Full, Quality, Invoice Accuracy) and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Track and maintain stock levels in line with production forecasts and customer demand.
- Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory records in the ERP system, ensuring robust financial control.
- Communicate supplier lead times and escalates risks or delays to prevent production disruption.
- Update and record sub‑contract supplier approvals within the ERP system.
- Provide general purchasing support and cover in the absence of the Purchasing Manager.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with suppliers and internal teams via phone, email, and in person.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage tasks independently as well as collaboratively.
- Professional, well‑presented, and discreet, with a clear understanding of confidentiality requirements.
Beneficial Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem solving skills.
- Organised, detail‑oriented and commercially aware.
- Experience with BOMs, technical specifications, ERP systems and inventory control is highly advantageous.
- Experience operating in an engineering environment.
- Strong IT proficiency, including Microsoft Word and Excel, accurate data‑entry skills with the ability to produce clear, meaningful reports.
Working Hours
08:30‑17:00 Monday‑Thursday, 08:30‑16:00 Friday (39‑hour week)
Buyer employer: Jackie Kerr Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Jackie Kerr Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨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 Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their products and services, and think about how your skills can help them improve their purchasing processes. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your approach before those real conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can give you a better chance of getting noticed. Let’s get you that Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer position. Highlight relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain, especially in a manufacturing environment. We want to see how your skills match 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 this role. Mention your strong communication skills and any experience you have with suppliers, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since the role requires excellent attention to detail and organisation, make sure to highlight any experiences where you've successfully managed tasks independently or collaboratively. We love seeing how you keep things running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jackie Kerr Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on your understanding of cost structures, pricing strategies, and inventory management. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles, especially in a manufacturing context.
✨Build Supplier Relationships
Since the role involves liaising with suppliers, think about examples where you've successfully built relationships or negotiated terms. Prepare to share specific instances that highlight your communication skills and ability to manage supplier performance effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This position requires excellent organisation and attention to detail. Come prepared with examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Discuss any systems or tools you’ve used to keep track of purchasing and inventory records.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since maintaining accurate records in an ERP system is crucial, make sure you understand the basics of how these systems work. If you have experience with specific ERP software, be ready to talk about it. If not, do some research to show your willingness to learn.