Buyer in West Bromwich

LOCATION: Bristol, near Temple Meads (BS2 0RA) - This is an office-based position

CONTRACT: Permanent - Full-time (Mon-Fri)

SALARY: Competitive (plus bonus up to 5% annual salary)

THE COMPANY

Over the past 30 years, L&T has become a global player in the medical simulation education market. It has ambitious plans for further growth in the next 5 years across the globe, through investment and new product development. Multi award-winning and still privately owned, the £25M business has grown from a tabletop start-up to a multinational business with its head office and manufacturing in Bristol, along with sales offices in the USA, Australia and Sweden. The vision of the business remains as it always has: to design and manufacture medical task trainers which through deliberate clinical practice help improve patient outcomes. People are at the heart of L&T, they comprise the expertise, contribute to and deliver the vision, in this fascinating and growing market sector.

THE ROLE

The Buyer is responsible for all production purchasing, including managing relationships with suppliers and sub-contractors, developing, and maintaining purchasing procedures and ensuring product is delivered to the correct quality standard, on time and in full, in the most cost-effective manner.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

• The Buyer plays a vital role in managing the end-to-end procurement process, from processing purchase orders and negotiating with suppliers to tracking deliveries and maintaining inventory and quality standards.
• You will ensure stock levels are maintained, coordinate transport where required, and make informed buying decisions based on market trends.
• The role involves working closely with suppliers to achieve cost reductions, supporting the warehouse and production teams, and maintaining clear communication across all stakeholders.
• You will also manage the import of overseas products, oversee invoicing and price checks, and liaise on materials requirement planning and quality matters.
• In addition, you will handle non-conforming materials, coordinate replacements and corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including supplier approvals, risk assessment, performance evaluation, and contract implementation.

This summary covers the main responsibilities of the role. A full job description with detailed tasks is available upon request.

MAIN REQUIREMENTS

• Purchasing experience, ideally in a manufacturing environment.
• CIPS qualification would be an advantage.
• Skilled at using MRP systems such as Epicor.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Familiar with the principles of stock control.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills both internally and with external suppliers and contractors.
• Highly organised with strong analytical and problem-solving/troubleshooting skills.
• Numerate and analytically minded and possess excellent negotiating skills to secure the best prices according to budget.
• Ability to prioritise.

THE PACKAGE

In return we offer a competitive salary and a performance-related bonus based on personal objectives that pays up to 5% of your salary annually, study support and the chance to progress in a rapidly growing company. We have recently introduced a new flexible working policy; it currently allows employees (following a probationary period) to work from home one day a week (if their work can be done from home) and also to work longer hours during the week and finish early on a Friday. This is a new initiative that we will review and extend if our employees value it and it works well.

Other benefits include a salary sacrifice pension scheme where the company matches your contribution up to 5% plus Employer NI savings - currently 15.05% of your contribution (this also applies to voluntary contributions), a non-contributory healthcare cash plan including access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), life insurance paying 4x your salary, access to a virtual GP, 25 days holiday (with possibility of buying additional leave), and a cycle to work scheme.

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity and you feel you have got what it takes, please send your CV with a covering letter telling us why you consider yourself suitable for the role, to the HR Manager, Limbs & Things.