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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 environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured work week with a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact in the engineering sector.
- 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 escalate 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 engineering and procurement sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. We want you to show off your knowledge about their operations and how you can contribute to their success as a Buyer. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers. We suggest role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before those real conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
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 specific examples of how you've built strong relationships with suppliers or managed purchasing activities effectively.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your strong communication and organisational skills. We love candidates who can manage tasks independently and collaboratively, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
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 how to analyse supplier performance metrics. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed costs or improved supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent organisation and attention to detail. Prepare to talk about how you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously in previous roles. Bring examples of how you tracked inventory levels or maintained accurate purchasing records, as this will show your potential employer that you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Build Rapport with Suppliers
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are key for this role. Think about how you've built relationships with suppliers in the past. During the interview, share stories that highlight your negotiation skills and how you’ve effectively communicated terms and conditions to ensure smooth operations.
✨Understand the Company’s Needs
Research the engineering company and its products before the interview. Understand their supply chain challenges and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role, which can set you apart from other candidates.