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- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage supplier relationships for efficient material supply.
- Company: Innovative company spun out from Oxford, revolutionising flow control technology.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth opportunities in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the manufacturing sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, strong communication skills, and CIPS qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The business was founded in 2015 as a spin‑out from The University of Oxford and designs and manufactures revolutionary flow control valves. This disruptive technology is currently deployed globally in water & gas distribution networks, oil & gas processes, and other industrial applications. Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) represent a £5bn sector of the global £70bn valve and actuator market.
The Buyer will support the delivery of an efficient and commercially focused procurement function, ensuring the timely and cost‑effective supply of materials and services. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, the role will contribute to supplier performance management, operational continuity, and ongoing process improvement within the purchasing function.
Key Responsibilities
- Support procurement activities to ensure continuity of supply and alignment with production requirements.
- Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, ensuring strong communication and performance management.
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with internal policies, procedures, and quality standards.
- Monitor supplier performance, including delivery schedules, quality, and cost, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Manage purchase orders and ensure accurate and timely processing through the MRP system.
- Track and expedite orders to ensure materials are delivered in line with production schedules.
- Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, communicating any potential disruptions to relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate records of delivery schedules, stock levels, and procurement data.
- Collaborate with the Logistics, production, and stock control teams to ensure efficient stock control and material flow.
- Support the resolution of supplier‑related issues including pricing, quality, and delivery discrepancies.
- Contribute to the monitoring and reporting of purchasing KPIs.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a purchasing or procurement role within a manufacturing or production environment.
- Working knowledge of MRP systems and stock control processes.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to support negotiation and supplier management activities.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships internally and externally.
- Proactive and solutions‑focused approach to problem solving.
- Good level of numeracy and IT literacy, including MS Office.
Qualifications
- CIPS qualification (Level 3 or above) or actively working towards CIPS certification is strongly preferred.
Other Information
- Based at our Tungsten park site, Witney.
- Permanent, full‑time role. Mon – Fri. 37.5 hours per week.
- 25 days’ holiday per year plus all statutory holidays (in England).
Senior Buyer employer: Oxford Flow
Contact Detail:
Oxford Flow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their flow control valves and how they fit into the market. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence in discussing pricing and terms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Senior Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your previous experience in purchasing or procurement, especially within manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your organisational and time management skills. Mention any experience you have with MRP systems and stock control processes. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate strong commercial awareness!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our procurement function. We appreciate a personal touch that reflects your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Flow
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in a manufacturing context. Understand the key principles of supply chain management and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Relationship Skills
Be prepared to share examples of how you've built and maintained effective supplier relationships. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to improve communication and performance management with suppliers.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of instances where you've proactively identified and mitigated supply chain risks. Be ready to discuss how you resolved issues related to pricing, quality, or delivery discrepancies, showcasing your solutions-focused approach.
✨Familiarise Yourself with MRP Systems
Since the role involves managing purchase orders through an MRP system, it’s crucial to demonstrate your familiarity with such systems. If you have experience with specific software, mention it and explain how it helped streamline your procurement processes.