At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing activities and manage supplier relationships to ensure timely material availability.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing team in Harlow with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and professional development in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a crucial role that impacts production and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain, strong organisational skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Job Overview
To support the Purchasing Manager in ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, components and services required to support manufacturing operations.
The Buyer will manage day-to-day purchasing activities, maintain supplier relationships, support inventory management and ensure the accurate operation of purchasing processes within the ERP system.
The role plays a key part in ensuring continuity of supply, maintaining data accuracy and supporting cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
The postholder will work closely with suppliers, Production, Engineering, Quality, Warehouse and Finance teams to ensure material availability supports customer demand and operational requirements.
Job Context
- Reports to the Purchasing Manager.
- Based in Harlow with occasional travel to Crayford and supplier locations as required.
- Supports UK manufacturing operations.
- Responsible for day-to-day purchasing and supplier communication activities.
- Works extensively within the Epicor ERP system.
- Supports departmental objectives relating to supplier performance, inventory management and purchasing efficiency.
- Contributes to continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
Key Accountabilities
- Purchasing & Order Management
- Raise and manage purchase orders for production materials, subcontract services and non-stock requirements.
- Ensure purchase orders are placed accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with business requirements.
- Maintain the purchase order book and monitor outstanding commitments.
- Expedite supplier deliveries to ensure materials are available to support production schedules and customer requirements.
- Monitor supplier acknowledgements and update delivery dates within the ERP system.
- Support purchasing activities relating to new products, bespoke requirements and engineering changes.
- Supplier Management
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers.
- Contact suppliers to obtain quotations, delivery information and product availability updates.
- Support supplier performance management activities through regular communication and follow-up.
- Escalate supplier performance concerns to the Purchasing Manager where appropriate.
- Assist with supplier benchmarking and market price reviews.
- Support supplier evaluation and approval processes as required.
- Inventory & Materials Planning Support
- Assist with inventory management activities including reorder levels, safety stock reviews and stock accuracy investigations.
- Support the maintenance of appropriate inventory levels to balance stock availability and working capital requirements.
- Liaise with Production Planning, Warehouse and Manufacturing teams regarding material requirements and shortages.
- Support actions to minimise excess, obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
- ERP & Data Integrity
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information within Epicor ERP.
- Update and maintain purchasing pricing files, supplier data and purchasing parameters.
- Ensure purchase order information remains accurate and up to date.
- Support data integrity initiatives and process improvements.
- Produce reports and analysis as required by the Purchasing Manager.
- Cost Reduction & Continuous Improvement
- Assist with supplier quotation exercises, benchmarking activities and cost reduction projects.
- Conduct price comparisons and analysis to identify savings opportunities.
- Support value engineering and procurement improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and administrative efficiency.
- Contribute to continuous improvement activities across the Supply Chain function.
- Financial Support
- Resolve invoice and pricing discrepancies with suppliers and the Finance team.
- Support accurate purchase price maintenance within ERP systems.
- Assist in monitoring purchasing spend against budget requirements.
- Provide purchasing analysis and reporting to support commercial decision-making.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Essential
- Experience in a purchasing, buying, procurement or supply chain role within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Good communication and supplier relationship management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Strong numeracy and analytical capability.
Desirable
- Experience using Epicor ERP.
- Experience purchasing manufacturing materials, engineered products or subcontract services.
- Understanding of inventory management principles.
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS.
- Experience supporting cost reduction initiatives.
- Behavioural Competencies
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Proactive and solution-focused approach.
- Ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness.
- Team player with a collaborative approach.
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and accountability
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Buyer in Essex employer: Lawson Fuses
At Lucy Electric, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our Thame manufacturing plant offers a dynamic work environment where you can lead a talented team, drive operational excellence, and contribute to the sustainable energy sector while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive atmosphere, we empower our staff to achieve their best and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Essex
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Lawson Fuses.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Lawson Fuses:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lawson Fuses. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Lawson Fuses.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawson Fuses
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Lawson Fuses!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Lawson Fuses. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Lawson Fuses's culture.
