Location: Bridgend (4 days per week onsite)
Salary: up to £45,000 (or £32,000–£34,000 for Trainee Buyer route)
We are recruiting a Buyer to join a growing manufacturing business undergoing dynamic expansion. This is a key role in a small, busy team, focused on sourcing and managing suppliers across Asia, Africa, and Europe, with a particular emphasis on the Far East.
You will be responsible for procuring raw materials (mainly steels and related products), optimising the supply base, and supporting the development of better systems and processes as the business moves away from spreadsheet-based purchasing.
This role offers clear progression to a Senior Buyer position (likely within 24 months) and the opportunity to gain CIPS qualifications for the right person.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage purchasing of raw materials including:
- Sheet metals, coils, rod and bar
- Stainless and carbon steels
- Potentially chemicals and lubricants
- Work closely with suppliers in Asia (long-established supply chain of 20+ years), as well as Africa and Europe.
- Review and rationalise the existing supplier base, identifying and developing high-performing suppliers while reducing overall supplier numbers.
- Negotiate prices, terms, and contracts to achieve best value and security of supply.
- Consider and manage: Lead times, freight and transport costs from Asia to Europe, container consolidation and import regulations.
- Contribute to the implementation and ongoing improvement of ERP systems (currently a spreadsheet-based environment, with a move towards a more sophisticated ERP).
- Maintain accurate, disciplined data and “good housekeeping” within the ERP and purchasing records.
- Support ongoing improvements to the supply chain to ensure the business remains at the forefront of its sector.
Experience needed
- Proven experience in a Buyer or Purchasing role, ideally within manufacturing or raw materials (metals/steels preferred).
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills with international suppliers.
- Good understanding of logistics concepts, including:
- International freight
- Lead times
- Container consolidation
- Import regulations
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets; any ERP experience highly beneficial and interest in helping develop ERP processes is important.
- Ability to manage a large, mixed-quality supplier base and drive supplier consolidation and improvement.
- Organised, detail-focused, and able to work effectively in a more corporate, evolving environment.
- Willingness and aptitude to travel internationally (e.g. Kenya, Asia, Europe, UK locations).
Progression & Development
- This is not initially a Senior Buyer role, but there is a clear path to Senior Buyer, likely after 12–24 months for a strong performer.
- CIPS qualification support is available for the right candidate.
Salary & Structure
- Buyer: up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience).
- Trainee route: £32,000–£34,000 per annum for candidates coming from a more admin-focused background, with a plan to grow into a Buyer role.
- Based in Bridgend, 4–5 days per week on-site.
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Buyer in Bridgend employer: Sadler Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and supportive team in the heart of Cardiff, where your role as an IT Technician will not only allow you to develop essential skills but also provide ample opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on collaboration and continuous learning, this organisation offers a competitive salary, additional paid leave, and a commitment to training that ensures you can advance quickly in your IT career. Embrace the chance to work in a vibrant city centre location while contributing to a forward-thinking IT department.
