At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and ensure timely sourcing of materials across two manufacturing sites.
- Company: Join a growing and innovative manufacturing business in West Sussex or Devon.
- Benefits: Make a significant impact on procurement performance and enjoy a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving cost savings and operational excellence in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Based on site at our Head office in Birdham, West Sussex or our office in Crediton, Devon we are seeking a commercially minded Procurement Buyer to join our team, supporting procurement activities across two manufacturing sites. This is a key role responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective sourcing of raw materials, packaging, and operational supplies. Working closely with Production, Planning, Technical, NPD, Finance, and Senior Management teams, you will play a critical role in maintaining supply continuity, managing supplier relationships, driving cost savings, and supporting operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage procurement activities across both manufacturing sites, ensuring continuity of supply and cost-effective purchasing.
- Take responsibility for order placement, material replenishment, supplier performance, and supply-demand alignment.
- Monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve supplier performance against agreed delivery and service requirements.
- Work closely with site and senior management teams to ensure suppliers operate within agreed contracts and service levels.
- Collaborate with planning teams to maintain lean stock levels while ensuring products and materials are available on time and in full.
- Source the most competitive materials and services through effective supplier management, market research, and regular price benchmarking.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and full traceability using Sage 200 and associated systems.
- Proactively chase suppliers to ensure purchase orders are delivered according to agreed schedules.
- Resolve supply issues quickly and effectively.
- Manage purchasing expenditure in line with agreed budgets.
- Ensure contingency suppliers are in place for all critical raw materials and packaging items.
- Work with the Technical team to maintain approved supplier documentation and ensure audit readiness at all times.
- Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities through negotiation, relationship management, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including regular review meetings with key suppliers.
- Resolve supplier disputes, invoice queries, and delivery note discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
- Support New Product Development (NPD) projects with procurement-related activities.
- Produce and report procurement KPIs, ensuring targets are achieved and deadlines met.
About You
You will be a highly organised procurement professional with strong commercial awareness and a proven ability to manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience in a purchasing, buying, or procurement role.
- Excellent planning, organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and cost-management experience.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Experience using Sage 200 or similar ERP systems.
- Previous experience within a food manufacturing environment.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Knowledge of supplier auditing requirements and quality management systems.
What We Offer
Opportunity to join a growing and innovative manufacturing business. The chance to make a significant impact on procurement performance and business success.
If you are a proactive procurement professional with a passion for supplier management, cost optimisation and operational excellence, we would love to hear from you!
Procurement Buyer in Birdham employer: Montezuma's Chocolates
Join our dynamic team as a Procurement Buyer at our Head office in Birdham, West Sussex or our office in Crediton, Devon, where you will play a pivotal role in driving procurement excellence across our manufacturing sites. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and innovation, offering you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Buyer in Birdham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially around supplier management and cost optimisation. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the right choice for the Procurement Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Buyer in Birdham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Procurement Buyer role. Highlight your previous procurement experience, especially in a manufacturing environment, and showcase your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven cost savings or improved supplier performance in the past. This is your chance to show off your commercial awareness!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since strong analytical skills are key for this position, mention any relevant tools or systems you've used, like Sage 200 or advanced Excel. We want to see how you’ve used data to make informed procurement decisions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Montezuma's Chocolates
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your procurement knowledge. Understand key concepts like supplier performance metrics, cost-saving strategies, and the importance of maintaining lean stock levels. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used analytical skills in past roles. Bring examples of how you've evaluated supplier performance or identified cost-saving opportunities. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the company's operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to resolve supply issues or negotiate with suppliers. Think through potential challenges you could face in this role and how you would handle them. This will highlight your problem-solving abilities and readiness for the job.
✨Highlight Your Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of successful collaborations. Discuss how you’ve built strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams, showcasing your communication and negotiation skills. This will underline your fit within their collaborative environment.
