At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and optimise stock levels for scientific products.
- Company: Join SLS, the UK's largest independent supplier of lab equipment and consumables.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and progression in a diverse environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a company that supports the NHS and promotes sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or procurement, strong negotiation skills, and attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) is the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals and consumables. We are seeking to recruit a proactive and commercially minded Buyer to join our busy Procurement Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, optimising stock levels, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of scientific products and consumables.
About the role:
Reporting to the Inventory Manager and collaborating closely with the wider business you will be managing our suppliers and stock effectively, negotiating pricing and delivering an exceptional service to both internal and external customers that embraces our core values, drives sustainable business practice and delivers best value to the organisation and our partners.
In this fast-paced role you will be responsible for placing purchase orders with suppliers for stock in a timely and efficient manner for direct delivery to customer sites, ensuring due diligence and coordination with suppliers and internal teams to guarantee delivery and invoicing. Excellent attention to detail is required to review and verify order acknowledgements- checking product codes, pack sizes, quantities and due dates- and update systems as needed.
About You:
To be successful in this key role you will have proven experience in a buying or procurement role, ideally within scientific, technical, or distribution sectors. Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills plus good negotiation and communication abilities are essential as you will build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability, competitive pricing, quality and timely delivery.
Experience with inventory management systems and procurement software and ticketing systems such as Freshdesk will be an advantage, but most important of all is the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment, managing orders, queries and stakeholder requirements concurrently and promptly.
Your proactive approach to problem-solving and positive attitude will ensure that you succeed within our business. You may also support additional projects as requested by the Procurement Manager.
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply CIPS qualified (Minimum Level 4) or the willingness to work towards and/or experience in Scientific or Medical Industry is useful but not essential.
SLS are the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals and consumables. Because of our independence, we have a unique approach to sourcing and supplying the highest quality, best value products and brands. Supplying to a wide range of sectors, provides a diverse and interesting customer base as well as providing countless opportunity to grow and expand.
With a Nottingham based Head Office, with customers all over the UK, we are a stable and growing company who have an excellent reputation in the market. We proudly supported the NHS and scientific community over the course of the Pandemic as well as supporting the education sector with vital supplies to be able to aid teaching for children affected by school closures.
We are passionate about our people and have developed a strong team dynamic who are welcoming and supportive of new individuals joining the company with a brilliant management team to support you as your find your feet in the role.
We are also proud to be a Living Wage Employer and committed to equal opportunities and actively promote a diverse and inclusive working environment, and fairness for everyone.
Alongside our commitment to your professional and personal development, we also offer a generous benefits package including:
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Hybrid working model – split between home and Nottingham based office
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Company NEST pension
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
- Small, friendly, and sociable teams with staff events
- Company profit bonus schemes
- Tram2work and Cycle2work schemes
- Career opportunities for development and progression
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Buyer in Nottingham employer: (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd.
Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) is an exceptional employer that prioritises a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about quality assurance. Located in the UK, SLS offers a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the organisation's success.
Contact Details:
(SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Nottingham
✨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 (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd..
✨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 Nottingham
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 (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd.. 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 (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd..
How to prepare for a job interview at (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd.
✨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 (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd.!
✨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 (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd.. 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 (SLS) Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ltd.'s culture.
