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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 work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured work week with flexible hours and a focus on career 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.
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
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 Fridays (39-hour week)
Buyer in Swindon employer: Jackie Kerr Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Jackie Kerr Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how a personal touch can make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your skills in purchasing and supplier management.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy to keep your details updated and get alerts for new opportunities. We’re here to help you land that Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. 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 Buyer position. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your strong communication and organisational skills. Mention any experience with ERP systems, BOMs, or inventory control, as these are key for the role. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving abilities!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s super easy to enter your details and keep your CV updated. Plus, you’ll get job alerts for other roles that might interest you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jackie Kerr Recruitment
✨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 experience 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 manage multiple tasks and priorities. Consider sharing a specific instance where your organisational skills led to a successful outcome, such as meeting tight deadlines or improving inventory management.
✨Build Rapport with Suppliers
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are key for this position. Think about how you've built relationships with suppliers in the past. Be prepared to discuss your approach to negotiating terms and resolving conflicts, as well as any strategies you've used to maintain positive supplier relationships.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since maintaining accurate purchasing records in an ERP system is crucial, make sure you're comfortable discussing your experience with these systems. If you have specific examples of how you've used ERP software to track inventory or manage purchasing data, be ready to share those insights during the interview.