At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead plant procurement, manage supplier relationships, and ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join Knauf Insulation, a global leader in construction materials with a values-led culture.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, enhanced sick pay, employee assistance, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Be the heartbeat of our new plant and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person, and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf Insulation in the Purchasing Team could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values‑led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us. We are a global manufacturer of construction materials and within our Group, our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment. Knauf Insulation is proud to be part of the Knauf Group.
Do you enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment? Do you have excellent verbal and written communication skills? Do you have good attention to detail?
As our Plant Buyer, you will be the procurement heartbeat of our new flagship Rock Insulation Plant in Shotton. You will lead plant‑level buying with real autonomy—keeping a 24/7 operation running without interruption, building robust supplier partnerships, and driving value, safety, quality and sustainability. You will shape and embed best‑practice purchasing processes, act as a key member of the Plant Management Team, and partner closely with colleagues across KINE in the UK and our Central Procurement team in Belgium.
What you’ll be doing…
- Lead: Own all plant procurement activity, balancing strategic thinking with day‑to‑day delivery in a fast‑moving manufacturing environment.
- Assure supply: Schedule and manage raw materials, services, spares and packaging to meet production needs and optimal stock levels—zero production stops is the goal.
- Raise standards: Embed purchasing processes in line with regional and central policies; support site audit requirements and plant business plan objectives.
- Drive stakeholder value: Build strong, value‑adding relationships with internal teams and external partners; promote early purchasing involvement across the site.
- Negotiate and develop suppliers: Manage a broad supplier base (strategic and tactical), negotiate with incumbents and new entrants, and actively scan markets to strengthen competition and supply performance.
What we’d love for you to have:
- Experience of pre and post tender procurement activities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Able to work autonomously, quickly, accurately and to tight deadlines
- Highly experienced in the use of SAP
- Positive attitude to change
- Attention to Detail, Tenacity & Problem Solving
We'll provide:
- Enhanced Holiday Pay – 33 days including bank holidays plus the opportunity to purchase more
- 16 weeks Company Sick Pay after 3 months of service
- Group Income Protection
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption packages
- Life Assurance – 4 x annual salary
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
- Staff Bonus Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured
- Westfield Health Cash Plan
- Access to Costco Membership
- Wickes Employee Purchase Scheme
- Wellbeing Initiatives and Mental Health First Aiders
- Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
Knauf Insulation welcomes applications from everyone and is committed to treating everyone equally, regardless of: age; sex; disability; ethnicity; gender identity; religion/belief; sexual orientation; marriage/civil partnership or pregnancy/maternity. In particular, we encourage applications from people from a minority background or from demographics that are underrepresented in the manufacturing industry. We are a Disability Confident Leader (Level 1) and take care to ensure good EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) practices in all our operations. If you are invited to an interview, a member of our team will be in touch via email to enquire about any access requirements or reasonable adjustments that we can make for your interview.
Buyer in Queensferry employer: Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland
Knauf Insulation is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values every team member's contribution. As a Plant Buyer at our flagship Rock Insulation Plant in Shotton, you will enjoy a wealth of benefits including enhanced holiday pay, comprehensive health support, and opportunities for personal growth within a global manufacturing leader. Join us to be part of a purpose-driven team where your skills will directly impact our mission of creating a sustainable future for all.
Contact Details:
Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Queensferry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Knauf Insulation on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a Buyer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to procurement and supplier management. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of specific examples where you've tackled challenges in procurement or negotiations. This will demonstrate your tenacity and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Knauf family and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Queensferry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role and how your values align with ours at Knauf.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and any skills that match the job description, like your attention to detail and communication skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Knauf's values and mission. Understand their commitment to sustainability and how it relates to the Buyer role. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in the company’s purpose.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are key for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with suppliers or internal teams in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can build strong relationships within the Purchasing Team.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Bring specific examples of how your attention to detail has positively impacted your previous roles. Whether it’s managing stock levels or ensuring compliance with purchasing processes, highlight your ability to keep everything running smoothly.
✨Be Ready to Problem Solve
Prepare for situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you had to negotiate with suppliers or resolve procurement issues quickly. Show them you can think on your feet and handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
