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- Tasks: Lead a team of buyers, manage suppliers, and ensure timely material orders.
- Company: Join Oxford Instruments, a leader in innovative technology solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, private healthcare, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving supply chain excellence and innovation.
- Qualifications: CIPS level 4 or equivalent, plus technical degree or HNC/HND required.
- Other info: We value proactive thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
You will also lead and develop a team of buyers, ensuring they excel in both process adherence and performance outcomes, while maintaining our ERP systems to exceptional standards. We are seeking a highly skilled buyer with a proven track record in process improvement, effective supplier management, and strict compliance practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage approved suppliers with the Head of Supply Chain and implement the best commercial solutions for current and future parts and assemblies.
- Directly manage a team of Buyers, setting objectives and managing capacity and performance.
- Work closely with the planning team to meet production schedules, ensuring timely material orders to enable shortage-free kits at build launch.
- Understand business needs and communicate material availability issues, developing solutions to mitigate impacts on delivery commitments.
- Develop robust supplier management through Supplier Agreements, Service Level Agreements, Supplier Scorecards, and regular reviews.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Planning, and Quality teams to ensure supplier support and management.
- Support Standard Diary meetings and ensure timely completion of delegated actions.
- Drive departmental KPIs and manage order placement with suppliers, balancing demand, cost, lead time, and inventory targets.
- Maintain open order reports, update MRP systems, and propose strategies for commodity development and supply chain improvements.
- Handle tasks such as invoice queries, return to vendor stock, FAI\’s, lead time reviews, and spot purchases.
- Encourage innovative ideas and team development, translating business strategies into actionable objectives.
- Set clear performance standards, challenge team members, and ensure customer focus and commercial awareness.
- Make informed decisions, anticipate business impacts, and act proactively to prevent issues.
- Demonstrate confidence, proactivity, attention to detail, and accountability in decision-making.
- Qualifications include a Purchasing qualification (CIPS level 4) or equivalent, and a technical degree or HNC/HND.
- Skills required: effective relationship building, strong communication, Excel and data analysis proficiency, ERP/MRP experience (e.g., JD Edwards, SAP, Oracle), and experience in engineering/production environments with complex supply chains.
Note: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List. We do not accept unsolicited agency CVs.
Benefits include competitive salary, career development, 25 days leave, early finish Fridays, private healthcare, share plans, pension, and flexible benefits.
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Senior Buyer - Team Leader employer: Oxford Instruments plc
Contact Detail:
Oxford Instruments plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with our ERP systems, as proficiency in tools like JD Edwards, SAP, or Oracle is crucial for this role. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to mastering these systems.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership abilities by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you set objectives, improved performance, or fostered team development, as these will resonate well during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Research our company’s supply chain processes and recent projects. Being knowledgeable about our operations will not only help you in interviews but also allow you to propose innovative ideas that align with our business strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in supplier management and process improvement. Engaging with others can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable connections within our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in supplier management, process improvement, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your qualifications, such as your Purchasing qualification and technical degree, align with the requirements of the position. Mention your experience with ERP systems and how it can benefit the team.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your skills in relationship building, communication, and data analysis. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved processes in previous roles, particularly in engineering or production environments.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments plc
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Buyer and Team Leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on process adherence and performance outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Supplier Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier management, including how you've implemented Supplier Agreements and Service Level Agreements. Share specific instances where you improved supplier relationships or resolved material availability issues.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires proficiency in Excel and data analysis, prepare to showcase your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions, manage inventory targets, or improve supply chain processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing order placement or addressing delivery commitments, and how you would tackle them.
