At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure timely delivery of materials in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join ZEISS, a global leader in optics and optoelectronics technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, hybrid model, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Proactive individuals thrive here; join us to shape the future of technology!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in international supply chain management while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as an Operational Buyer with strong supplier management skills.
Are you an experienced Operational Buyer, Buyer or Procurement Specialist looking for a fast-paced role within a global manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy managing supplier relationships, expediting deliveries, resolving supply issues and ensuring critical materials are available to support production?
Welcome to ZEISS. ZEISS is an internationally leading technology company operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Global Supply Chain Management Electron Microscopy team, supporting manufacturing operations through effective supplier management, material planning and procurement activities across an international supply chain.
What you'll be doing:
- Act as the key interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring materials are delivered on time to support manufacturing operations in both Cambourne and Oberkochen.
- Take ownership of a supplier base of 70+ suppliers, proactively managing orders, expediting deliveries, resolving shortages and ensuring continuity of supply in a fast-paced production environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the end-to-end order lifecycle from placement through to delivery.
- Expedite supplier orders and proactively manage delivery performance.
- Monitor supplier commitments, identify risks and implement mitigation actions.
- Manage and resolve material shortages to minimise impact on production.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers.
- Conduct supplier performance reviews and monitor key performance metrics.
- Maintain accurate supplier and material master data within SAP.
- Support forecasting and demand planning activities.
- Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies and payment-related queries.
- Monitor pricing changes and supplier performance trends.
- Create and maintain procurement dashboards and reporting tools.
- Collaborate closely with Production Planning, Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams.
- Identify opportunities to improve and automate procurement processes.
- Participate in continuous improvement and value stream mapping activities.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Work closely with international suppliers to ensure material availability and on-time delivery.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience as an Operational Buyer, Buyer or Procurement Specialist, ideally with 3+ years' experience.
- Experience managing the full order lifecycle from placement through to delivery.
- Strong supplier management and relationship-building skills.
- Proven experience expediting orders and managing supplier performance.
- Experience resolving material shortages and supply chain issues.
- SAP experience, ideally as a confident day-to-day user.
- Experience working within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and work effectively within a fast-paced environment.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to analyse and manage large volumes of data.
- Confidence escalating issues and driving resolutions when required.
- Experience working with international suppliers would be advantageous.
- Exposure to demand planning, continuous improvement or procurement process optimisation would be beneficial.
With motivation and passion, you'll fit right in at ZEISS! We're looking for someone who is proactive, organised and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Someone who takes ownership, communicates confidently with suppliers and stakeholders, and isn't afraid to challenge, escalate and drive actions when required.
In return, you'll join a globally recognised technology leader, benefit from flexible working hours, a hybrid working model, and enjoy clear progression opportunities into Project Buyer and Lead Buyer positions as your career develops. If you want to make a real impact within an international manufacturing supply chain and build your career with ZEISS, we'd love to hear from you.
Operational Buyer in Milton employer: Manpower UK
As a leading player in the UK construction materials industry, our company offers a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package, including opportunities for overtime, we ensure our Class 1 HGV drivers are rewarded for their hard work while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule. Join us in Harlow, where you can grow your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Buyer in Milton
✨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 Manpower UK.
✨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 Operational Buyer in Milton
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 Manpower UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Manpower UK. 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 Manpower UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manpower UK
✨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 Manpower UK!
✨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 Manpower UK. 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 Manpower UK's culture.
