At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing, optimise inventory, and strengthen supplier relationships for efficient manufacturing.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing firm focused on innovation and supply chain excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead significant improvements and enhance your career in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a hands-on role to drive impactful change in supply chain operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing and supply chain within manufacturing; strong problem-solving skills.
Position Summary The Buyer / Supply Chain Lead will be responsible for executing day-to-day purchasing activities, managing inventory levels, and maintaining strong supplier relationships to support efficient manufacturing operations.
In this role, you will balance operational purchasing tasks with cost-reduction initiatives, helping to transition the business away from legacy procurement habits.
You will ensure material availability for production while actively identifying opportunities to optimize stock and reduce supply chain risk.
You will work on improving supply chain performance through strategic sourcing, supplier management, inventory optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
The role focuses on reducing cost, improving supplier performance, strengthening supply chain resilience while leading significant business change and challenging historic practices.
This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced manufacturing buyer / supply chain professional capable of balancing day-to-day operational support with longer-term strategic improvement.
This is a sole role with No direct reports..
Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain Improvement
- Lead supplier selection, supplier rationalisation and sourcing activities.
- Identify and implement material cost reduction opportunities.
- Reduce reliance on sole-source suppliers and develop alternative supply options.
- Lead make-versus-buy evaluations and implement outsourcing initiatives where commercially and operationally advantageous. Supplier Quality & Performance
- Manage supplier performance across quality, delivery, responsiveness and cost. and lead supplier performance reviews.
- Own supplier NCRs, corrective actions and supplier follow-up.
- Carry out incoming inspection activities where required. Purchasing, Inventory & Logistics Improvement
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve purchasing, planning, stores and logistics processes.
- Improve inventory management, stock accuracy and material control processes and drive reductions in excess and obsolete inventory.
- Own ERP/MRP planning parameters including lead times, safety stocks and ordering policies.
- Identify and implement opportunities to simplify and standardise logistics processes.
- Support efficient domestic and international logistics arrangements. Operational & Cross-Functional Support
- Influence and support stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, Sales and Finance to implement agreed supply chain improvements.
- Work with Operations and Production teams to maintain material availability and production continuity.
- Support investigation and resolution of supplier-related quality issues. Continuous Improvement & Compliance
- Drive practical supply chain and inventory improvement initiatives.
- Support compliance with ISO9001 and Company quality procedures relating to suppliers and incoming materials.
- Support internal and external audits where required.
- Maintain accurate supplier, inventory and incoming inspection records. Experience and Skills
- Experience in purchasing, supply chain or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
- Day to day purchasing functions
- Experience with goods-in processes, incoming inspection, and non-conforming material control
- Hands on experience using MRP/ERP systems in manufacturing.
- Experience of outsourced manufacturing and make-versus-buy analysis.
- Experience leading change and implementing process improvements in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of supplier quality, performance management, and supply chain risk.
- Practical problem-solving skills with a focus on containment, delivery, and operational continuity.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
- Professional purchasing qualification (e. g.
CIPS) or equivalent experience would be an advantage.
Competetive salary , Pension, Life Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Twenty days holiday plus statutory bank holidays
Buyer / Supply Chain Lead in Uckfield employer: ONE Consulting
As a Buyer / Supply Chain Lead, you will thrive in a dynamic manufacturing environment that prioritises innovation and efficiency. Our company offers a competitive salary alongside comprehensive benefits such as pension plans, private health insurance, and generous holiday allowances, fostering a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development. Join us to be part of a team that is committed to continuous improvement and strategic sourcing, where your expertise will directly contribute to enhancing supply chain resilience and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Supply Chain Lead in Uckfield
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like ONE Consulting and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at ONE Consulting!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like ONE Consulting keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer / Supply Chain Lead in Uckfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to ONE Consulting:This is your chance to really connect with the team at ONE Consulting. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at ONE Consulting
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with ONE Consulting.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show ONE Consulting that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at ONE Consulting. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
