At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and build strong supplier partnerships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Oxford Instruments, a leader in advanced microscopy and scientific instrumentation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private health insurance, and a share incentive plan.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and defined career paths await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong analytical skills, and a degree in Supply Chain or related field.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Join Oxford Instruments – The Business of Science®.
At Oxford Instruments, our purpose is to accelerate breakthroughs that create a brighter future. Our cutting-edge technologies enable scientists and engineers to deliver world-changing innovations across industries and research. We’re looking for a Senior Buyer to join our Materials Analysis business unit – a global leader in advanced microscopy and scientific instrumentation. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy building strong supplier partnerships, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.
About the Role
As a Senior Buyer, you will take ownership of procurement activities for a defined category of products and services. You’ll play a critical role in ensuring availability, quality, and cost-effectiveness of materials, while driving continuous improvement across the supply chain. This role blends hands-on operational purchasing with strategic supplier management, giving you the opportunity to influence performance, reduce costs, and shape sourcing strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Raise and manage purchase orders in line with MRP requirements
- Monitor supplier delivery performance, lead times, and inventory levels
- Expedite orders and resolve supply chain bottlenecks
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Planning, and Finance
- Support new product introductions through sourcing and prototype ordering
- Proactively identify risks to supply and implement mitigation plans
- Source, evaluate, and onboard suppliers based on quality, cost, and service
- Lead sourcing projects and present business cases to senior stakeholders
- Build strong supplier relationships and drive performance improvements
- Conduct supplier reviews and site visits
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business goals
Cost & Performance Optimisation
- Identify and deliver cost reduction opportunities
- Analyse data to improve procurement and inventory performance
- Support inventory strategies such as VMI or consignment stock
Compliance & Quality
- Ensure procurement activities meet internal controls and quality standards
- Resolve supplier quality issues and manage returns
- Support sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in procurement or supply chain
- Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
- Ability to prioritise in a fast-paced, complex environment
- Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
- CIPS qualification (or working towards)
- Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field
- Knowledge of inventory management approaches (e.g. Kanban, VMI)
Working at Oxford Instruments Materials Analysis – What’s in it for you?
- Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays and the option to purchase up to 12 weeks more
- Employee Assistance Programme; including 24/7 telephone support, access to counselling, financial and debt management and access to trained legal advisors
- Private health insurance, dental insurance and life assurance
- MyDiscounts; save money with a number of leading retailers
- Car salary exchange scheme: sacrifice part of your salary in exchange for a fully serviced, comprehensive insured electric or hybrid vehicle
- TechScheme and CycleScheme: Purchase a bike and/or Tech or home goods from Currys/IKEA and spread the cost over 12 months.
- Pension; all employees are eligible to join the Group Pension Plan administered by AVIVA.
- Share incentive plan: Invest in your future and share in the success of the company by joining the share incentive plan.
Encouragement and support to achieve professional and or academic qualifications to support your development and growth. Defined career paths and regular reviews.
Senior Buyer employer: Oxford Instruments
At Oxford Instruments, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Buyer in our Materials Analysis business unit, you will benefit from a comprehensive range of perks including generous annual leave, private health insurance, and robust professional development opportunities. Our commitment to employee growth, coupled with a culture that values sustainability and ethical sourcing, makes us a standout choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the scientific instrumentation field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨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 Oxford Instruments.
✨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 Senior Buyer
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 Oxford Instruments:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Oxford Instruments. 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 Oxford Instruments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments
✨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 Oxford Instruments!
✨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 Oxford Instruments. 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 Oxford Instruments's culture.
