At a Glance
- Tasks: Source materials and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic procurement team in Epping with a focus on quality and efficiency.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free parking, pension, and 28 days' holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a practical, busy environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact by ensuring the right products are available at the right time.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or supply chain, strong negotiation and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Department: Procurement / Supply Chain
Location: Epping
Job Type: Full Time | Immediate Start
Hours: 40 hours per week
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Buyer to join our Procurement / Supply Chain team in Epping. This is a hands-on procurement role suited to someone who is organised, confident negotiating with suppliers, and able to balance price, quality, availability and delivery in a fast-moving environment.
The Role
As Buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing materials and managing supplier relationships to ensure the business has the right products, at the right price and quality, when they are needed. You will work closely with our factory, estimating and order processing teams to ensure purchasing supports production and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Source quality hardwoods, softwoods, sheet materials, laminates, ironmongery, packaging materials, tools and other products as required.
- Negotiate competitive pricing, delivery terms, credit arrangements and SLAs with suppliers.
- Place and manage purchase orders, tracking shipments and expediting deliveries where necessary.
- Monitor stock levels and manage inventory to ensure materials are available when required.
- Carry out stock control and stocktakes, identifying opportunities to reduce wastage and improve purchasing efficiency.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers.
- Identify and develop alternative and backup suppliers to improve supply resilience.
- Monitor supplier performance and quality, including inspection of incoming goods where required.
- Work closely with the factory, estimating and order processing teams to coordinate purchasing requirements.
- Resolve purchasing, delivery and quality issues quickly and effectively.
- Contribute to continuous improvement across procurement, stock control and supplier management.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in a buying, procurement or supply chain environment.
- Commercially aware, with strong negotiation skills.
- Organised and able to manage multiple orders and priorities.
- Confident communicating and building relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
- Proactive when dealing with shortages, delays and supply issues.
- Comfortable working in a practical, busy environment.
- Focused on achieving the right balance between cost, quality and availability.
Experience purchasing timber, sheet materials, laminates, ironmongery, packaging or related products would be advantageous.
40 hours per week
Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am – 3:30pm
15-minute tea break and 30-minute lunch break (unpaid)
Free parking
Pension
28 days' holiday including bank holidays
3 days' holiday retained for the Christmas shutdown
Buyer employer: Prime Appointments
Prime Appointments is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Witham where you can thrive as a Hybrid Driver & Warehouse Operator. With competitive benefits such as overtime after probation, 20 days holiday, and a workplace pension, we prioritise employee well-being and growth. Join us for a rewarding career that values reliability and provides opportunities for varied daily tasks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Prime Appointments.
✨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 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 Prime Appointments:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Prime Appointments. 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 Prime Appointments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prime Appointments
✨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 Prime Appointments!
✨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 Prime Appointments. 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 Prime Appointments's culture.
