At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate goods globally to maximise cost savings and efficiency.
- Company: Join Lincat, a leading name in commercial catering equipment with over 50 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and exposure to global suppliers.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making impactful decisions in a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Lincat is a thriving manufacturing business, one of the world's leading names in commercial catering equipment with over 50 years experience delivering world-class innovation and product quality to its extensive customer base. Our company manufactures 50,000 products each year and exports to over 80 countries. We have great products, great people and great customers.
We are looking for a Buyer to join our Procurement team at Lincat. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing goods and services, fit for purpose, both in the UK and globally, whilst developing measures for cost savings in line with the business plan. Develop Category Strategies to maximise opportunities for the business and supply base.
Hours of work: This role is based on 37.5 hours per week, working Monday to Friday.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
- Negotiation and maintenance of supply agreements
- Use skilled negotiation techniques, product and market knowledge to confidently negotiate the best supply agreements and achieve significant cost reductions.
- Continuously and proactively seek cost reductions/cost avoidance from existing suppliers and components to achieve the PPV budget and Business Plan.
- Ensure that the system is updated where required with the necessary detail.
- Source new components for new product development.
- Appraisal of suppliers ability to provide the required service/components.
- Responsibility for supplier performance with regard to price, quantity, quality, time and place.
- Supplier relationship management.
- Develop and maintain product and market knowledge and contacts.
- Produce key category strategies on an annual basis to maximise opportunities and identify risks.
Essential Skills and Knowledge:
- Experience of contract management and supplier management in a manufacturing environment with a wide range of raw materials.
- Category management.
- The ability to negotiate skilfully and confidently to achieve price reductions.
- Computer literate, specifically Microsoft Office.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills.
- Ability and willingness to travel to supplier sites when necessary.
- Flexible in approach to work and willing to work on any product as required.
- Experience of the commercial catering market or the wider hospitality industry (Desirable).
- Good level of numeracy and literacy.
- Some formal business/purchasing qualification (e.g. NVQ, Business Studies or CIPS) is desirable but not essential.
Buyer employer: Lincat
Lincat is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our operations. With over 50 years in the industry, we provide our employees with ample growth opportunities and a supportive culture that values teamwork and creativity. Located in a thriving manufacturing hub, our team enjoys competitive benefits and the chance to contribute to products that are celebrated worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨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 Lincat.
✨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
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 Lincat:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lincat. 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 Lincat.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lincat
✨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 Lincat!
✨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 Lincat. 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 Lincat's culture.
