At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic purchasing and supplier negotiations to drive cost savings and improve performance.
- Company: Join Luxfer MEL Technologies, a global leader in advanced materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Five years of procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Luxfer MEL Technologies is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of Magnesium and Zirconium-based products and services to technology industries worldwide. We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team in Manchester, reporting to the Head of Procurement. This is a key role combining strategic category management with operational purchasing, supplier negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
You will be responsible for sourcing goods, materials, components and services, managing strategic spend categories, delivering measurable cost savings, improving supplier performance and supporting continuity of supply. The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years’ purchasing or procurement experience, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment, with strong commercial, analytical, negotiation and supplier management skills. CIPS qualification (or working towards CIPS), or a relevant business/commercial degree, is desirable, along with advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills; SAP/ERP experience would be an advantage.
The role offers an opportunity to make a real commercial impact within a fast-paced environment, supporting strategic procurement initiatives and senior-level decision-making.
Main Duties:
- Own and manage defined strategic spend categories, developing sourcing plans that support cost reduction, supply continuity, quality and business growth.
- Engage with internal stakeholders to understand demand, specifications, risks and priorities, ensuring procurement activity is aligned with operational and commercial needs.
- Lead supplier negotiations, tenders and contract reviews to secure competitive pricing, improved terms and measurable value for the business.
- Review category spend, supplier performance and market conditions to identify opportunities for savings, risk reduction, second sourcing and process improvement.
- Manage the supplier base for assigned categories, using SAP data and other performance information to support regular reviews and corrective action.
- Monitor market trends, supplier capability, competitor activity and cost drivers, providing timely insight on risks and opportunities.
- Purchase goods, materials, components and services in line with agreed cost, quality and delivery targets, using SAP and agreed procurement processes.
- Act as the interface between suppliers and internal departments on purchasing activity, supply issues, new projects and improvement initiatives.
- Prepare procurement reports, savings updates and supplier performance information for management review and SLT support.
- Support the Head of Procurement with strategic projects, annual objectives, savings delivery and supplier development initiatives.
- Contribute positively to the wider Procurement team, sharing workload where required and supporting regulatory or business-critical requirements.
- Undertake any other duties within the scope and competence of the role as required.
Essential:
- CIPS qualified, working towards CIPS qualification, or holding a relevant business or commercial degree.
- Minimum five years’ purchasing or procurement experience, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing suppliers, negotiating terms and delivering measurable cost savings.
- Strong category management capability, including spend analysis, tendering, supplier review and market insight.
- Experience working with global suppliers and complex supply chains.
- Experience in industrial raw materials, commodities or market-index-linked purchasing.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong commercial, analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret data and support decisions.
- Advanced Excel capability and confident use of Microsoft Office; experience of procurement reporting and performance analysis.
- Strong communication, negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload, manage deadlines and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Experience supporting senior-level procurement reporting or presentations.
Personal Attributes:
- Professional, proactive and resilient team player who demonstrates accountability, integrity and commitment to continuous improvement.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week standard but will be required to be flexible with these hours in line with business need.
As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. If you wish to request that your application be considered under the terms of our Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please explicitly state so in your CV and/or accompanying cover letter.
Senior Buyer - Luxfer MEL Technologies in Manchester employer: Luxfer MEL Technologies
At Luxfer MEL Technologies, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the specialist manufacturing sector, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester where quality and safety are paramount. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and supportive culture, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to high-performance products used in critical industries. With competitive salaries, direct worker bonuses, and a focus on teamwork and integrity, we provide an excellent platform for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Luxfer MEL Technologies in Manchester
✨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 Luxfer MEL Technologies.
✨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 Senior Buyer - Luxfer MEL Technologies in Manchester
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 Luxfer MEL Technologies:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Luxfer MEL Technologies. 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 Luxfer MEL Technologies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luxfer MEL Technologies
✨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 Luxfer MEL Technologies!
✨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 Luxfer MEL Technologies. 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 Luxfer MEL Technologies's culture.
