At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing operations and collaborate with global partners to streamline processes.
- Company: Join a leading company in the Electro/Mechanical industry focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make an impact by optimising procurement processes and building strong vendor relationships.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain; 4+ years in purchasing roles.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
The Senior Buyer will report to the JCI/Security Products Operations Director and is responsible for supporting day-to-day operational purchasing needs in collaboration with 3rd-party manufacturing partners. This role includes overseeing purchasing requirements for our R&D facility in Belfast and select partner R&D locations in North America, as well as facilitating inbound and outbound shipments.
What you will do:
- Processing purchase orders using Sage and Ariba.
- Managing orders on supplier online portals.
- Handling internal order processing from the Distribution Centre and obtaining pricing using SAP.
- Receipt and validation of purchase orders/material requisitions.
- Oversight and reporting of Material Request processes on SharePoint.
- Resolving invoice queries on platforms such as Ariba and Basware.
- Facilitating out-of-cycle payments when needed.
- Collaborating with vendors and the Accounts Payable team to address payment issues.
- Ensuring vendors are enabled on Ariba and assisting with invoice uploads.
- Setting up new vendors and maintaining vendor information in Sage and Ariba.
- Coordinating global shipments and adhering to trade compliance standards.
- Assisting with customs clearance and maintaining shipment documentation.
- Conducting monthly audits for customs clearance compliance.
- Managing spend requests through 3rd-party manufacturing partners.
- Processing goods inward and distributing goods within the Belfast R&D facility.
What we look for:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- Master’s degree or certifications such as Six Sigma, PMP, or Lean preferred.
- 4+ years in a demanding purchasing role, with hands-on procurement or buying experience.
- Experience in ERP systems and process optimization.
- Background in purchasing within the Electro/Mechanical industry.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of profit margins, market trends, and financial accounting.
- Negotiation & Influencing: Ability to secure favourable terms, manage contract disputes, and build long-term vendor relationships.
- Systems Proficiency: Advanced IT literacy, particularly in Microsoft Excel, and experience with supply chain or ERP software (e.g., SAGE, SAP, Ariba).
- Communication Skills: Excellent analytical and communication abilities, ensuring clear and effective interaction with teams and vendors.
This position not only demands expertise in procurement practices but also a proactive approach to improving processes and fostering collaboration across diverse teams and organizational levels, aligning with JCI's principles of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
Senior Buyer in Belfast employer: Johnson Controls
As a Senior Buyer at our Belfast R&D facility, you will join a dynamic team that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. We offer a supportive work culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and development, ensuring that you can thrive in your role while contributing to meaningful projects. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a vibrant city known for its rich history and community spirit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Belfast
✨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 the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with their products and any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to secure favourable terms. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in the Electro/Mechanical industry, and any relevant certifications you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed purchasing processes or resolved vendor issues in the past.
Show Off Your Systems Proficiency:Since this role involves using systems like Sage, SAP, and Ariba, mention your experience with these tools. If you’ve optimised processes or improved efficiency using these systems, let us know!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Johnson Controls
✨Know Your Systems
Familiarise yourself with ERP systems like Sage, SAP, and Ariba before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them to optimise purchasing processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Highlight how you secured favourable terms or resolved contract disputes, as this will demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to build long-term vendor relationships.
✨Understand the Industry
Brush up on current trends in the Electro/Mechanical industry. Being able to discuss market dynamics and how they impact procurement decisions will show that you're not just a buyer, but a strategic partner who understands the bigger picture.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role requires excellent communication skills, be prepared to explain complex ideas simply, especially when discussing how you handle invoice queries or collaborate with teams.
