At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement by analysing orders and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic engineering team at a leading company in Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 9-day fortnight, profit-sharing, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and recognition in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment and make impactful purchasing decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering procurement and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 33000 £ per year.
Client Overview
Sapien is seeking an Estimator/Buyer to join our client's engineering team based in Kent. The successful candidate will support the Supply Chain Manager in procuring materials in line with business requirements. The role involves collating and analysing order requirements, supplier information, and cost data to ensure efficient purchasing and supplier management processes. Please note: due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to obtain SC‑level security clearance.
Job Responsibilities
- Communicate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to obtain quotations with detailed cost breakdowns.
- Raise Purchase Orders (POs) and Purchase Requisitions (PRs).
- Generate RFIs and RFQs, including cost breakdown formats.
- Prepare manufacturing estimates for the sales and engineering teams.
- Liaise with the engineering department regarding supplier selection.
- Work closely with the quality department to monitor vendor performance.
- Resolve invoice queries in a timely manner.
- Engage with new suppliers to gather information relating to pricing, delivery, and capabilities.
- Prepare purchasing reports and comparative quotation analyses.
- Provide data to support accurate and regular supplier performance monitoring.
- Progress orders and support import clearance activities.
- Carry out any additional tasks required to support the business.
Skill Required
- Experience within an engineering procurement environment.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, rapidly changing environment.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage complex issues involving multiple variables.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Knowledge of engineering terminology and manufacturing methodologies.
- Experience working with MRP‑generated purchase orders as well as standalone requisitions.
Compensation & Other Benefits
- Monday to Friday, 37‑hour working week.
- Salary: £29,000 - £33,000 per annum DOE.
- 9‑day fortnight (every other Friday off).
- Company profit‑sharing scheme.
- Stakeholder pension and death‑in‑service scheme.
- Employee rewards and recognition programme.
Please note that our clients are unable to offer sponsorship for employment visas.
Buyer employer: Sapien
At Sapien, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Data Entry Administrator role in Sandwich. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and continuous improvement, offering employees a unique 9-day fortnight schedule that promotes work-life balance. With competitive salaries, profit sharing, and opportunities for professional growth, we empower our team to thrive while ensuring that our engineering processes are efficient and effective.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. 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 procurement and any relevant engineering terminology. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 job description, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the past. We love candidates who can think on their feet and navigate challenges effectively, so let us know how you’ve done this before!
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sapien
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll be dealing with cost data and quotations. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you analyse costs and make purchasing decisions. Bring examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated prices or managed budgets.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with supply chain processes and engineering procurement. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve collaborated with suppliers and internal teams in the past. Showing that you understand the bigger picture will impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to engineering terminology and manufacturing methodologies. Review key concepts and be ready to explain how they relate to your previous work. This will demonstrate your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires strong problem-solving abilities. Think of specific examples where you've tackled complex issues, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight your approach to resolving invoice queries or managing supplier performance to show you can handle challenges effectively.
