At a Glance
- Tasks: Purchase materials and components to support manufacturing schedules and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing team focused on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities to tackle challenges and improve processes.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of production, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing within manufacturing and strong communication skills.
The Operational Buyer will be responsible for purchasing materials and components required to support manufacturing and production schedules. The role will work closely with suppliers, production, planning and other internal teams to ensure materials are available when required while managing inventory, cost, quality and supplier performance.
Key responsibilities
- Purchase electronic components, materials and associated items in line with production requirements.
- Raise and manage purchase orders from placement through to delivery.
- Monitor material requirements and ensure components are available to meet manufacturing schedules.
- Proactively identify and resolve material shortages, late deliveries and other supply issues.
- Expedite suppliers where required and maintain accurate delivery information within the ERP/MRP system.
- Build effective working relationships with existing suppliers and maintain regular communication regarding demand, lead times and delivery performance.
- Monitor supplier performance across delivery, quality and commercial requirements.
- Work closely with Production Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality and other relevant functions to resolve supply issues.
- Manage changing priorities and respond to fluctuations in customer and production demand.
- Support inventory management, helping to balance material availability against excess or obsolete stock.
- Obtain quotations and support supplier negotiations where required.
- Identify opportunities to improve cost, lead time, availability and overall supplier performance.
- Support new product introductions and engineering changes by ensuring required materials are sourced and available.
- Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier and material information within company systems.
- Escalate significant supply risks and work with internal stakeholders and suppliers to develop appropriate recovery plans.
Experience and skills
- Previous purchasing/buying experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience purchasing components or materials against production requirements.
- Comfortable working with ERP/MRP systems and using material requirements to manage purchasing activity.
- Strong supplier management and expediting experience.
- Able to manage shortages, changing priorities and time-critical supply issues.
- Good commercial awareness, including an understanding of pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities and inventory implications.
- Strong communication and supplier relationship management skills.
- Confident working across production, planning, engineering and quality functions.
- Good organisational skills with the ability to manage a high volume of purchasing activity.
- Strong Excel and general data-management skills.
Buyer in Cannock employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work culture that prioritises employee development and impact. With ambitious growth plans and a commitment to investing in its people, this Private Equity backed business provides unique opportunities for career advancement, particularly for finance professionals looking to transition into leadership roles. The hybrid working model further enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for talented individuals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Cannock
✨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 Buyer in Cannock
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.
