At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of materials and maintain supplier relationships for engineering projects.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and manufacturing business in Wallingford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, on-site work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving supplier performance and supporting production success.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills required.
Octagon Group is seeking a Commodity Buyer in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire, on-site, to support a leading engineering and manufacturing business. You will manage a specialist commodity group, procuring materials, maintaining supplier relationships, and ensuring on-time delivery to support production.
You will work closely with engineering, planning and production teams to drive supplier performance and continuous improvement, raise POs, and maintain ERP data, including SAP updates.
Strategic Commodity Buyer – Engineering & Manufacturing employer: Octagon Group
Octagon Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Waterbeach, UK. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, hands-on experience in product development, and a supportive environment that values teamwork and quality. With a focus on meaningful projects and a commitment to employee development, Octagon Group stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in mechanical engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Commodity Buyer – Engineering & Manufacturing
✨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 Octagon 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 Strategic Commodity Buyer – Engineering & Manufacturing
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 Octagon Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Octagon 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 Octagon Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Octagon 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 Octagon 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 Octagon 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 Octagon Group's culture.
