Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of materials and services to support manufacturing operations.
- Company: Join a leading business in the manufacturing sector with a strong procurement team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact by ensuring quality supply and optimising costs in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, strong organisational skills, and excellent communication abilities.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior staff and work towards CIPS Level 4.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol (Hybrid Working)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week)
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Robert Half are working with a business within the manufacturing sector who are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join its established procurement team.
The Role
As Senior Buyer, you will manage the procurement of materials, components, and services to support manufacturing operations. You will ensure continuity of supply, drive cost optimisation, and maintain high levels of quality and supplier performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Raising purchase orders in line with internal procedures
- Issuing RFQs, analysing quotations, and recommending best commercial and technical options
- Negotiating with suppliers on pricing, terms, and delivery
- Maintaining quarterly supplier performance reports
- Conducting supplier visits to assess capability, capacity, and ethical standards
- Identifying and onboarding new suppliers to reduce single-source risk
- Managing shipping requests and associated administrative tasks
- Monitoring stock levels, demand, and safety stock requirements
- Updating BOM pricing and making approved online purchases
- Maintaining supplier certificates and compliance documents
- Preparing weekly inventory reports
- Tracking supplier delivery schedules and escalating concerns
- Analysing delivery and quality trends and implementing corrective actions
- Training and supporting junior purchasing staff
- Ensuring compliance with procurement policies and professional standards (including CIPS Code of Conduct)
About You
Person Specification
- Purchasing experience ideally within a manufacturing environment
- Strong organisational and documentation skills
- Competent in writing, reading, and following procedures
- Excellent communication skills
- Working knowledge of Office 365 and Business Central
- High attention to detail
- Ability to mentor or train junior team members
- CIPS Level 4 (or working towards it)
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.
If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.
Buyer in Bristol employer: Robert Half Limited
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with their suppliers and recent projects. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for the perfect Senior Buyer position. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your purchasing experience, especially in a manufacturing environment, to show us you’re the right fit for the Senior Buyer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your organisational skills and attention to detail. We want to see examples of how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships or improved procurement processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the manufacturing sector. Be ready to discuss your experience with raising purchase orders, issuing RFQs, and negotiating with suppliers. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've analysed quotations and supplier performance in the past. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive cost optimisation or improve supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are a must for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you would explain complex procurement processes to someone less experienced, as this could come in handy when discussing your mentoring abilities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios, like handling a supplier who’s consistently late with deliveries. Prepare your thought process on how you would tackle such issues, showing your problem-solving skills and commitment to maintaining high standards.
