At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate costs for project delivery.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation in the manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on projects while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a 15-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Project Buyer – 15-Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) Location: Norwich Are you a skilled buyer with a background in manufacturing, looking for your next challenge? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation as a Project Buyer on a 15-month fixed-term contract, covering maternity leave. In this role, you’ll play a key part in ensuring the smooth delivery of projects by managing supplier relationships, negotiating costs and lead times, and maintaining a strong and reliable supply chain. What you’ll be doing: Acting as the main point of contact for suppliers on commercial matters. Negotiating prices and delivery schedules to meet business needs and stay within budget. Managing and developing existing supplier relationships while identifying and evaluating new suppliers. Working closely with Engineering and Quality teams to define product and service specifications. Investigating and resolving supply issues, including managing non-conforming products and corrective actions. Leading and documenting supplier performance reviews. Supporting ad-hoc purchasing requests and ensuring all processes align with quality, health & safety, and compliance standards. What we’re looking for: Previous experience in a manufacturing environment is essential. Strong communication skills – able to liaise effectively at all levels internally and externally. Excellent organisational ability with a proactive, detail-focused approach. Confidence to negotiate, influence, and manage multiple priorities under pressure. A collaborative team player who also thrives working independently. Desirable (but not essential): CIPS Diploma or equivalent professional qualification. Knowledge of MOD contractual requirements and GS3001 standards. Why apply? This is a great opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in a role where your expertise in procurement and supplier management will directly support successful outcomes. You’ll be joining a supportive team environment that values initiative, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Sound like something for you? Hit apply or contact Jason direct on (phone number removed) for more information
Buyer (Maternity Cover) employer: Serve Talent
Contact Detail:
Serve Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding the nuances of the industry will help you engage more effectively with suppliers and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves negotiating prices and delivery schedules, consider practising scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Network within the manufacturing sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with professionals who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with supplier management in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully resolved supply issues or improved supplier relationships in your previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in a manufacturing environment, focusing on relevant skills such as supplier management and negotiation. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Project Buyer role. Emphasise your strong communication skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, providing examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a CIPS Diploma or any equivalent qualifications, make sure to mention them prominently. Even if they are not essential, they can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Your Teamwork and Independence: In your application, illustrate your ability to work both collaboratively and independently. Provide examples of how you've contributed to team success while also thriving in self-directed tasks.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serve Talent
✨Showcase Your Manufacturing Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in a manufacturing environment during the interview. Discuss specific projects or challenges you've faced and how you successfully navigated them, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since the role involves negotiating prices and delivery schedules, be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved favourable outcomes, showcasing your confidence and ability to manage multiple priorities.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively liaised with suppliers and internal teams in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to communicate at all levels and resolve issues collaboratively.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The job requires investigating and resolving supply issues. Think of instances where you've tackled similar challenges and be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to find solutions. This will show your proactive and detail-focused approach.