At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate contracts, manage suppliers, and drive continuous improvement in purchasing.
- Company: Dynamic electronics engineering firm in Birmingham with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: 37.5 hours per week with a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make a real impact on supply chain efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Main Purpose of the Job
Negotiate contract agreements in accordance with agreed terms and conditions. Source, manage, and monitor a panel of preferred supply partners. Working in collaboration with internal stakeholders, provide operational purchasing support and implement category strategies across purchasing families. Lead projects and processes in line with established procurement procedures, minimise supply chain risk, and drive continuous improvement with suppliers and subcontractors to enhance quality, cost, and delivery performance.
Key Duties
- Manage a portfolio of supplier and subcontractor spend and develop category strategies.
- Source new supply solutions and challenge existing suppliers to identify continuous supply chain improvements across quality, cost, and delivery (QCD).
- Negotiate and maintain commercial contract agreements with key suppliers and subcontractors.
- Benchmark suppliers and subcontractors through the RFQ process.
- Conduct supplier audits and monitor supplier performance.
- Lead commercial negotiations on pricing, contracts, and service agreements.
- Deliver year-on-year cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives.
- Provide purchasing support for major projects and new product development (NPD) to meet demanding deadlines.
- Support operational purchasing requirements across multiple UK manufacturing sites.
- Implement and administer productivity savings to achieve departmental objectives.
- Provide accurate and timely budgetary information, reporting cost movement and variation as required.
- Adhere to organisational values, ethical standards, and corporate social responsibility commitments.
Job Competencies / Key Skills
- Experience working in a fast-paced electronics engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Experience purchasing indirect services and direct materials.
- Good understanding of commercial contract terms and conditions.
- Thorough knowledge of procurement best practices.
- Experience or knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with strong spreadsheet skills.
- Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across teams.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of market factors that influence supplier negotiations.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Ideally qualified to MCIPS level.
- Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement.
- Experience supporting sourcing activities, including RFQs, bid analysis, and supplier selection.
- Ability to negotiate contract terms while ensuring compliance and effective risk management.
Desirable
- Advanced analytical skills using Excel and other software applications.
Hours of Work
37.5 hours per week, based on the following standard working pattern: Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 4:30pm Friday: 8:00am – 1:30pm
Operational Buyer in Birmingham employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while being part of a high-performing team dedicated to driving success. The company values operational excellence and provides a competitive salary, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Buyer in Birmingham
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like SF Partners.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Buyer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to SF Partners:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SF Partners. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like SF Partners.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at SF Partners!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at SF Partners. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into SF Partners's culture.
