Procurement Buyer

Procurement Buyer

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Solus - an Aviva company

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate the best deals for products and services.
  • Company: Join Solus, a leading body repair group with a focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health support, pension contributions, and discounts on products.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with diverse opportunities and career growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of the automotive industry.
  • Qualifications: 3-5 years in procurement or supply chain; strong analytical and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced, knowledgeable buyer who can put their commercial awareness, negotiation, and confidence to make decisions to valuable use as part of the Solus Aviva family?

Our Procurement Buyer will support our Procurement Lead liaising with key stakeholders determining product and service needs, monitoring business trends while negotiating the best possible quality, price, and delivery times. This role is critical to contributing to Solus' strategic approach of securing long‑term supplier relationships, risk mitigation, and maintenance of day‑to‑day procurement requirements; helping us to build the bodyshop of the future and sustain our long‑term growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities
  • End‑to‑end supply chain process
  • Optimise ordering and reordering from suppliers
  • Mitigate risks by managing supplier relationships
  • Maintain records of all suppliers
  • Support the Commercial Department in forecasting and aligning findings with supply chain management
  • Research requirements, opportunities, trends, and developments in the sector
  • Collaborate to improve supplier relationships and supplier performance
  • Review and manage supplier non‑compliance
  • Consider environmental impact of the supply chain and sustainability targets
Qualifications

Desirable qualifications and experience:

  • Commercial education with business accreditations in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Economics, Applied Science, or a related field.
  • 3‑5 years in a buying function or supply chain; relevant training required.
  • Highly analytical problem solver with an aptitude for figures.
  • Ability to react quickly to an ever‑changing industry sector.
  • Self‑motivated and driven to develop within the role.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

About Solus: Solus is one of the largest body repair groups in the country, employing over 900 expert people across 25 UK locations and having repaired over 700,000 vehicles in the last 15 years.

Benefits
  • Excellent benefits and rewards packages.
  • Group income protection with access to a GP and medical advice 24 hours per day for yourself and your family.
  • Competitive employer‑matched pension contributions.
  • Discounts on Aviva products and services.
  • Savings and benefits schemes.
  • Discounts and schemes for electric vehicle purchase for all employees.
  • Holding several main manufacturer approvals – Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini, and Volkswagen.
  • Well known for prestigious award‑winning in the industry, customer service, apprenticeships, and IT systems fields.
  • Links with Thatcham to get the best products and training in the UK.
  • We have a variety of locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you.
Equal Opportunity Statement

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. We are inclusive – we want applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Procurement Buyer employer: Solus - an Aviva company

Solus Aviva is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pension contributions and access to 24/7 medical advice. With a strong focus on employee growth and sustainability, our Procurement Buyer role provides opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of the body repair industry while working alongside a diverse team across multiple UK locations.
Solus - an Aviva company

Contact Detail:

Solus - an Aviva company Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Buyer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend procurement events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Procurement Buyer role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your negotiation skills in interviews! Prepare examples of past successes where you’ve secured great deals or improved supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your value to potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their supply chain processes and sustainability goals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Buyer

Commercial Awareness
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Risk Mitigation
Supply Chain Management
Analytical Problem Solving
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Forecasting
Sustainability Awareness
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Buyer role. Highlight your experience in supply chain management, negotiation skills, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your achievements in previous roles.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: As a Procurement Buyer, being analytical is key. In your application, give us examples of how you've used data to make decisions or improve processes. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and solve problems!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Solus - an Aviva company

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Procurement Buyer, you'll need to be comfortable with figures. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed purchasing decisions in the past. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the financial aspects of the role.

✨Research the Company

Before the interview, dive deep into Solus Aviva's values, recent projects, and their approach to sustainability. Understanding their strategic goals will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, especially when discussing supplier relationships and risk management.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems or describe past experiences. Think about situations where you successfully negotiated with suppliers or improved procurement processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.

✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability

Given the emphasis on environmental impact in the job description, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to Solus Aviva's sustainability targets. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have about sustainable procurement practices to demonstrate your commitment to this important aspect of the role.

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