At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage materials, optimise suppliers, and support operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Leicester focused on supply chain innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving efficiency and making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong analytical skills, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Leicester
Hourly Rate: £17.31
Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00
Employment Type: Full‑time ongoing temporary
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and detail driven Buyer / Procurement Specialist to join a fast paced Supply Chain team. You will play a key role in managing material availability, optimising supplier performance, and supporting operational excellence across the business. This role is ideal for someone who thrives under pressure, communicates confidently, and enjoys working cross functionally to solve problems and deliver results.
Key Responsibilities
- Material & Order Management: Evaluates and acts upon MRP requirements, generating and adjusting purchase orders to meet demand levels. Inputs, maintains and updates ERP transactions to ensure data accuracy and system integrity. Handles quotes, places PO's and follows up with suppliers, managing PO related issues and schedule changes. Expedites and de expedites materials to maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Supplier Management & Communication: Communicates forecast requirements clearly to suppliers while maintaining strong, collaborative relationships. Objectively measures and reports supplier performance to support continuous improvement. Works closely with Suppliers, Quality, Strategic Sourcing and Engineering to resolve quality, delivery and cost issues quickly. Manages challenging or sensitive supplier conversations with professionalism and confidence.
- Inventory, Cost & Process Improvement: Drives increased inventory turns, reduced cycle times and improved customer OTD through pull based replenishment processes, including VMI and consignment stock. Supports initiatives to eliminate excess and obsolete stock and rationalise similar parts. Participates in Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen events to reduce waste and improve performance across the supply chain.
- Cross Functional Support: Provides effective support to New Product Introduction (NPI) teams, proposal development and subcontracting opportunities. Ensures timely resolution of shipping discrepancies, receiving errors, invoice issues and PO adjustments. Engenders a spirit of cooperation across the supply chain to ensure responsiveness to customer needs.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical, problem solving and fact based decision making skills.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively under pressure.
- Confident negotiator with the ability to manage complex or sensitive discussions.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels.
- A positive, resilient, can do attitude with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Quick thinker with sound judgement in fast moving environments.
Experience & Qualifications
- Relevant experience in purchasing, procurement or supply chain operations is essential.
- Previous experience in a Buyer or similar operational procurement role is strongly preferred.
- Engineering or manufacturing background is strongly preferred.
- Experience working with ERP systems (SAP desirable) and managing PO's in a fast paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, MS Project).
- Undergraduate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering or related field (preferred but not essential).
- Supply Chain or CIPS certification is highly desirable.
- Understanding of procurement and supply chain processes, inventory control concepts, safety stock, replenishment and VMI (advantageous).
- Willingness to learn, develop and take ownership of initiatives with moderate scope and impact.
Buyer / Procurement Specialist employer: Kinetic plc
Join a dynamic and supportive team in Leicester as a Buyer / Procurement Specialist, where your contributions will directly impact operational excellence and supplier performance. We offer a collaborative work culture that values professional growth, with opportunities for continuous learning and development in a fast-paced environment. Enjoy a competitive hourly rate and the chance to thrive in a role that encourages problem-solving and cross-functional teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Procurement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the supply chain and procurement world. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how your skills can optimise their operations. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring along data or case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage inventory and supplier relationships effectively. This will help you stand out as a detail-driven candidate who can deliver results.
✨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 and eager to join our team. Let’s get you that Buyer/Procurement Specialist role!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer / Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer / Procurement Specialist role. Highlight relevant experience in purchasing and supply chain operations, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our fast-paced team. Mention specific examples of how you've managed supplier relationships or improved processes in previous roles.
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your skills in action! Be sure to include any experience with ERP systems like SAP, and highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Office. If you have any certifications, make them stand out!
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 Kinetic plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer / Procurement Specialist, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to make purchasing decisions in the past. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you’ve optimised inventory levels or improved supplier performance.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is key in procurement. Think about times when you've had to negotiate terms with suppliers or resolve conflicts. Practise articulating your approach to these situations, focusing on how you maintained professionalism while achieving favourable outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Experience
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Prepare to discuss your experience working with different departments, like Quality or Engineering. Highlight specific projects where you contributed to cross-functional success and how you ensured smooth communication.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing supply chain disruptions or handling sensitive supplier conversations. Practise your responses to demonstrate your quick thinking and sound judgement.
