At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate purchase orders and manage supplier relationships for smooth operations.
- Company: Leading manufacturing business in Stafford with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Join a vital role in procurement and make a real impact on operational success.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in purchasing or material planning, strong negotiation skills, and advanced Excel proficiency.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to grow within a supportive and innovative team.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 Β£ per year.
SF Recruitment are working with a leading manufacturing business in Stafford to recruit a Buyer. This role is ideal for someone with experience in purchasing or supply chain who enjoys working with suppliers, managing orders, and supporting smooth operational delivery across the business.
As Buyer, you will be responsible for coordinating purchase orders, maintaining accurate procurement data, and working closely with internal departments to ensure goods and services are delivered on time and within budget. You will also play a key role in supplier communication, cost control, and inventory planning.
Key Responsibilities- Raise and manage purchase orders from approved requisitions
- Liaise with suppliers to confirm pricing, specifications, and delivery schedules
- Negotiate with suppliers to achieve cost savings and best value
- Track orders and resolve delivery, pricing, or invoice discrepancies
- Monitor stock levels and collaborate with warehouse, production, and sales teams to forecast purchasing requirements
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information
- Assist with sourcing new suppliers and obtaining quotations
- Support Finance, Operations, and Logistics teams to ensure efficient procurement processes
- Produce regular reports on spend, procurement activity, and supplier performance
- Maintain and update item master data in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, ensuring accuracy across pricing, units of measure, costing methods, BoMs, variants, and rental items
- Minimum of 2 yearsβ experience in a purchasing or material planning type role
- Experience within manufacturing environments preferred
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build effective supplier relationships
- Advanced Excel skills and strong Microsoft Office proficiency
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Confident communicator with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Buyer/Planner in Stafford employer: SF Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SF Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Buyer/Planner in Stafford
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Buyer/Planner role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves liaising with suppliers and managing costs, be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you've successfully navigated similar situations.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your Excel prowess! Be prepared to demonstrate your advanced Excel skills during interviews, as this is crucial for tracking orders and maintaining procurement data. Maybe even bring along a few examples of reports you've created.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer/Planner in Stafford
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in purchasing or supply chain. We want to see how your skills match the role, so donβt be shy about showcasing your achievements and relevant experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why youβre the perfect fit for the Buyer/Planner role. Mention specific examples of your negotiation skills and supplier relationship management to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Tech Skills: Since we use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, itβs a good idea to mention your experience with it. If youβve got advanced Excel skills, let us know how youβve used them in past roles to manage procurement data effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer/Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your strong Excel skills. Brush up on your data analysis and be ready to discuss how you've used Excel in past roles to manage procurement data or track orders. Bring examples of reports you've created or how you've used data to make informed purchasing decisions.
β¨Supplier Relationship Savvy
Since this role involves liaising with suppliers, think about your past experiences in building relationships. Prepare specific examples of how you've negotiated with suppliers to achieve cost savings or resolved discrepancies. This will show your potential employer that you can effectively manage supplier communications.
β¨Operational Insight
Familiarise yourself with the operational side of the business. Understand how procurement impacts production and sales. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with different departments in previous roles to ensure smooth operational delivery. This shows that you can work cross-functionally and understand the bigger picture.
β¨Attention to Detail is Key
In this role, accuracy is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've maintained accurate purchasing records and managed inventory levels in the past. You might even want to bring a checklist or a system youβve used to keep track of procurement activities, demonstrating your organisational skills and attention to detail.