At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage suppliers and purchase materials for production in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established manufacturing business focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Salary between £40,000 and £50,000, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a global supplier base and engage in exciting projects.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make an impact in procurement and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or purchasing, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.
An exciting opportunity for a Buyer to join an established manufacturing business in Hampshire, managing suppliers and purchasing materials and components for production. You'll work closely with teams across the business to maintain supply, improve performance and support wider procurement improvements.
Our client is an established manufacturing organisation operating within a highly regulated industry, producing specialist products and assemblies, with a strong focus on quality, innovation and continuous improvement.
As the senior buyer, you will work as part of the site procurement team and be responsible for purchasing a range of raw materials, components and finished goods from a global supplier base.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing day-to-day purchasing activity across a portfolio of suppliers and materials
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing suppliers
- Monitoring supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery and lead times
- Ensuring materials and components are available to support production and customer requirements
- Proactively identifying potential supply constraints and working with suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues
- Supporting commercial negotiations and identifying cost-saving opportunities
- Working with Operations to support inventory management and improve overall stock health
- Maintaining accurate purchasing, supplier and lead-time information within the ERP/MRP system
- Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Finance and wider Procurement teams
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes and systems
- Challenging existing ways of working and helping to identify and resolve root causes of procurement and supply issues
Profile
The successful applicant will ideally have:
- Previous experience within Procurement or Purchasing in a manufacturing environment
- Experience managing suppliers and purchasing materials or components
- Strong supplier relationship management and communication skills
- Good commercial awareness and confidence supporting supplier negotiations
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems
- The ability to proactively manage supply issues and communicate effectively with internal stakeholders
- A collaborative approach and ability to work effectively as part of a wider team
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with an interest in continuous improvement
- Experience within pharmaceutical, life sciences or another regulated manufacturing sector would be advantageous but is not essential
- Experience supporting ERP implementation or system improvement projects would also be beneficial but not essential
Above all, we're looking for someone who is a strong communicator and team player, who is comfortable taking ownership and looking for opportunities to improve how things are done.
Job Offer
Salary between £40,000 and £50,000, dependent on the level of experience. Hybrid working. Modern manufacturing facility in Hampshire. Opportunity to join a business investing in its procurement function. Exposure to a global supplier base and a broad range of materials and components. Opportunity to get involved in continuous improvement and future systems projects. Supportive, collaborative working environment with scope to develop within procurement.
If you're interested in this role, apply now!
People are at the heart of Michael Page. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.
Senior Buyer employer: Michael Page
ASDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Leeds. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ASDA provides numerous opportunities for professional development and advancement, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in one of the UK's leading retail brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 Michael Page.
✨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
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 Michael Page:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page. 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 Michael Page.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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 Michael Page!
✨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 Michael Page. 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 Michael Page's culture.
