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 professional growth.
- Why this job: Contribute to meaningful 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 01603 415 100 for more information.
Buyer (Maternity Cover) in Norwich employer: Serve Talent
Contact Detail:
Serve Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Maternity Cover) in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific suppliers and manufacturers relevant to the industry. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can give you an edge in negotiations and help you build strong relationships.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or colleague to practice handling different situations, as this will prepare you for the dynamic nature of supplier interactions.
✨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
Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in procurement and supply chain management. This knowledge can help you demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Maternity Cover) in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in manufacturing and procurement. Emphasise your skills in supplier management, negotiation, and project delivery to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships and negotiate effectively.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as communication, organisation, and the ability to work under pressure. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Buyer role.
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 you've worked on and how your role as a buyer contributed to their success.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to communicate effectively with suppliers and internal teams. This could include instances where you successfully negotiated prices or resolved supply issues.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Supplier Management
Think about your approach to managing supplier relationships. Be prepared to discuss how you've developed these relationships in the past and any strategies you've used to evaluate new suppliers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding supply chain issues. Prepare scenarios where you had to investigate and resolve non-conforming products or manage corrective actions.