At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and support purchasing functions in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Precision engineering manufacturer with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Career progression, supportive team, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Clear career progression path with mentorship from a Senior Buyer.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and develop your skills in a hands-on buying role.
- Qualifications: Some experience in purchasing or supply chain; proactive attitude and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
If you're an ambitious buyer or purchasing coordinator looking for a role where you can genuinely get your teeth into supplier management rather than just processing orders, this is worth a look.
The business is a precision engineering manufacturer based in Eynsham, Oxfordshire, working across aerospace, defence, motorsport, medical and energy. They've recently received significant private equity investment and are in a strong period of growth. The buying team is expanding and this is a genuine opportunity to join at the right moment, develop your skills and build a career in a business that's going places.
This isn't a purely transactional role. They want someone who's ready to take ownership, build supplier relationships and grow into a confident, capable buyer over time.
THE ROLE
You'll be supporting the day-to-day purchasing function, making sure materials, components and subcontract services are sourced, ordered and delivered on time, to cost and to quality. You'll work closely with the Senior Buyer, Planning, Production and Engineering teams and have real exposure to the full procurement cycle from day one.
Day-to-day you'll be:
- Raising and managing purchase orders across direct and indirect spend
- Executing MRP activity and keeping material availability aligned to production schedules
- Building and maintaining supplier relationships, chasing deliveries, managing open orders, holding suppliers to account
- Obtaining competitive quotations and supporting commercial negotiations
- Keeping SAP data accurate, pricing, lead times, supplier information
- Resolving supplier queries and supporting invoice discrepancy resolution with Finance
- Supporting the Approved Supplier List and contributing to supplier performance improvement
- Identifying opportunities to improve purchasing processes and reduce supply chain disruption
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
You don't need to be a seasoned buyer to be considered here, but you do need the right foundations and the drive to develop. Here's what they're after:
- Some purchasing, procurement or supply chain experience, Buyer, Purchasing Coordinator, Material Coordinator or similar
- Exposure to MRP or ERP systems, SAP experience is a bonus but not essential
- A proactive attitude, someone who follows through without being chased and spots problems before they escalate
- Good communication skills and the confidence to build relationships with suppliers and internal teams
- Strong attention to detail, data accuracy matters here
- Manufacturing or engineering sector background is a plus but not a dealbreaker
- CIPS qualification or working towards it is welcomed. So is a degree in Business, Supply Chain or Engineering, but neither is essential if the experience and attitude are right.
WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE
This role suits someone who is early in their buying career and genuinely hungry to develop. You'll have a Senior Buyer alongside you and real scope to take on more responsibility as you prove yourself. The business has a clear progression path, Senior Buyer, Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, and the investment and growth trajectory mean those opportunities are real, not just words on a page.
What they don't want is someone who's happy to sit back and wait to be told what to do. If that's not you, get in touch.
INTERESTED?
If you're not sure whether your experience level is quite right, get in touch anyway, we'd rather have a conversation than miss the right person.
Buyer in Witney employer: NEUTRA
Join a leading precision motorsport and aerospace component supplier in Oxon, where we prioritise employee growth and development. With competitive pay rates of £15-17/hr and a supportive work culture that offers training for both new entrants and experienced professionals, you'll thrive in an environment that values skill enhancement and teamwork. Enjoy a structured weekday shift pattern with no night shifts, allowing for a balanced work-life experience while contributing to cutting-edge projects in the motorsport and defence sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Witney
✨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 NEUTRA.
✨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 Buyer in Witney
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 NEUTRA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to NEUTRA. 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 NEUTRA.
How to prepare for a job interview at NEUTRA
✨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 NEUTRA!
✨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 NEUTRA. 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 NEUTRA's culture.
