Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic purchasing team and drive excellence in supply chain operations.
- Company: Join a global leader in the oil and gas industry with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Career progression, continuous learning, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Be part of a global family dedicated to purposeful innovation and service.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced procurement professional ready to take the lead in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment? We’re looking for a Lead Buyer to head our Great Yarmouth purchasing team, driving excellence in supply chain operations and ensuring customer and stakeholder demands are met in line with evolving production priorities. In this role, you’ll work closely with our Strategic Procurement team to develop and implement sourcing strategies, streamline processes, and deliver tangible efficiencies across the business. You’ll play a key part in strengthening supplier relationships, improving performance, and supporting NOV’s commitment to quality and innovation.
At NOV, we believe that developing our business goes hand in hand with developing our people. With the support of the ISE Procurement Manager, you’ll have opportunities for career progression, continuous learning, and personal development as you work toward both professional and organizational goals.
What You’ll Do- Lead and mentor the Great Yarmouth purchasing team, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
- Oversee daily procurement transactions including requisitions, purchase orders, change orders, and supplier validation.
- Manage direct spend with preferred suppliers and elevate exceptions as needed.
- Monitor and expedite late purchase and works orders, working closely with the planning department to resolve issues impacting production schedules.
- Evaluate and improve supplier performance—driving enhancements in delivery, quality, and lead times.
- Identify and deliver cost‑saving opportunities through product, vendor, and design improvements.
- Support engineering teams on product changes and new product introductions affecting manufacturing and supply chain processes.
- Manage invoice payment issues by performing root‑cause analysis and implementing solutions.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning and vendor development.
- Continuously improve procurement processes, documentation, and performance metrics.
- Proven experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing or production environment.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving abilities.
- A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Lead Buyer in Great Yarmouth employer: National Oilwell Varco
Contact Detail:
National Oilwell Varco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Buyer in Great Yarmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for a Lead Buyer role. 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 supply chain operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them drive efficiencies. This will show you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Lead Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions, and be ready to showcase this skill during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications from motivated candidates like you. Plus, it gives you a chance to highlight your passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Buyer in Great Yarmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant achievements that align with our needs at NOV. We want to see how you can drive excellence in supply chain operations!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your skills can contribute to our team. We love seeing enthusiasm and a proactive mindset!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in procurement. We’re looking for someone who can think on their feet and improve processes, so share those success stories!
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 you’re keen to join our global family!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Oilwell Varco
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in manufacturing and supply chain. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past and how they led to cost savings or improved supplier performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Buyer, you'll be mentoring a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams before, fostering collaboration and professional growth. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that test your negotiation and problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to resolve issues with suppliers or improve procurement processes, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Align with Their Values
Research NOV's commitment to quality, innovation, and service. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of powering the industry that powers the world.
