At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of materials and build strong supplier relationships to support production.
- Company: Established engineering firm known for quality, innovation, and collaboration.
- Benefits: Up to £37,000 salary, pension, 25 days leave, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in supply chain optimisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain, strong negotiation skills, and ERP knowledge.
The Company
Our client is a well-established engineering and manufacturing business supplying high-quality products to customers across a range of technical industries. With a strong reputation for quality, innovation and customer service, they offer a collaborative working environment.
The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Buyer to join a busy Supply Chain team. You will be responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, components and subcontract services, supporting production schedules while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Working closely with Planning, Engineering, Manufacturing and Sales, you will play a key role in optimising supplier performance, negotiating commercial agreements and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the procurement of materials, components and subcontract services to support production requirements.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, driving improvements in cost, quality and delivery performance.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times and commercial agreements with suppliers.
- Monitor MRP outputs and ensure purchase orders are placed in line with production demand.
- Work closely with Engineering and Sales to support new product introduction and identify cost-effective sourcing solutions.
- Identify opportunities to improve inventory management through lean supply chain techniques, including Kanban and buffer stock strategies.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement continuous improvement plans where required.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and ERP data.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience within a Buyer, Purchasing or Supply Chain role in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
- Good understanding of modern purchasing and inventory management techniques, including JIT and Kanban.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships across multiple departments.
- Good commercial awareness with a proactive approach to cost reduction.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS would be advantageous.
- Experience purchasing electronic components or technical products would be beneficial but is not essential.
The Package
- Up to £37,000
- Company pension.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Stable, supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing engineering business.
Technical Buyer in Dartford employer: Mansell Recruitment Group
Our client is an excellent employer, offering a stable and supportive working environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and professional development, they provide ample opportunities for career progression within the engineering sector. Located in a thriving area, the company not only values strong supplier relationships but also prioritises a culture of continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Buyer in Dartford
✨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 Mansell Recruitment Group.
✨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 Technical Buyer in Dartford
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 Mansell Recruitment Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Mansell Recruitment Group. 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 Mansell Recruitment Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mansell Recruitment Group
✨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 Mansell Recruitment Group!
✨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 Mansell Recruitment Group. 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 Mansell Recruitment Group's culture.
