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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and improve supply chain processes in a collaborative team.
- Company: Established manufacturing business focused on quality and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to end-to-end procurement activities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of procurement and make a real impact in a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years' experience in purchasing and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol
Salary: £30,000 - £33,000 (DOE)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (core hours 9:00am - 4:00pm)
Flexible/Hybrid Working: Available following successful completion of probation
The Opportunity
Robert Half LTD are working with an established and growing manufacturing business who are seeking a Buyer to join its Manufacturing and Quality team. This is a varied role within a collaborative, small-team environment, offering the opportunity to take ownership of purchasing activities while contributing to continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Raise purchase orders and manage sales returns
- Monitor and chase supplier deliveries, updating systems with any changes
- Produce quarterly supplier performance reports covering delivery and quality metrics
- Issue RFQs, evaluate supplier quotations, and recommend best-value options considering cost, lead time, and supplier performance
- Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, terms, and delivery
- Identify and onboard new suppliers to reduce single-source risk
- Conduct supplier visits, performance reviews, and support continuous improvement initiatives
- Carry out supplier audits in line with ISO9001 standards
- Manage supplier non-conformance, ensuring corrective actions are implemented
- Analyse data to support forecasting and identify trends
- Coordinate shipping requests for outbound goods where required
- Maintain and control Bills of Materials (BoMs) and associated documentation
- Track and report on annual cost savings
- Support general purchasing administration
- Undertake additional duties as required
- Ensure all procurement activities align with professional ethical standards
About You
- 2-3 years' experience in a purchasing role within a manufacturing environment
- Experience using MRP systems and demand planning tools
- Proven experience conducting supplier audits and visits
- Good understanding of ISO9001 standards
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word
Desirable Skills
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary of £30,000 - £33,000 depending on experience
- 37.5-hour working week with core hours of 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Flexible and hybrid working options after probation
- Opportunity to work within a supportive and collaborative team
- Exposure to end-to-end procurement activities
- A stable, growing organisation with a focus on quality and continuous improvement
Buyer employer: Robert Half
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 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 supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around supplier management and ISO9001 standards. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be what you’re looking for. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in purchasing, especially within a manufacturing environment, and showcase any relevant skills like using MRP systems or conducting supplier audits.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your organisational and communication skills. These are crucial for the Buyer role, so give examples of how you've used these skills in past positions to achieve results.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in past roles. Think about specific examples where you’ve tracked supplier performance or identified trends that led to cost savings.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Prepare to talk about your experience with supplier audits and visits. Highlight any successful negotiations you've conducted and how you’ve built strong relationships with suppliers. This shows you understand the importance of collaboration in procurement.
✨Understand ISO9001 Standards
Since the role involves managing supplier non-conformance and conducting audits, make sure you’re familiar with ISO9001 standards. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in your previous roles and the impact it had on quality and efficiency.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
In a small team environment, being organised is key. Prepare examples of how you’ve managed multiple tasks, such as raising purchase orders while monitoring deliveries. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.