Commodity Buyer - Mechanics, Sheetmetal and Plastics

Commodity Buyer - Mechanics, Sheetmetal and Plastics

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Spectris

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Oversee procurement, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships for production parts.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing international organisation with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive rewards package supporting your wellbeing and career growth.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment valuing diverse perspectives and ideas.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a global leader committed to positive change.
  • Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of Lean principles.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

In this role, you will oversee the entire procurement cycle, from supplier selection and approval to contract negotiation and ongoing supplier management. You will build and develop supplier relationships, ensuring value at every stage, and lead category management projects to reduce costs, improve quality, and minimise operational overheads.

Key Responsibilities

  • Negotiate pricing and delivery terms for production parts, aligning with supply chain and production needs.
  • Manage supplier relationships, including selection, evaluation, approval, and performance tracking, in collaboration with Lead Buyers and Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Support new product introduction, working with strategic teams to identify cost‑effective suppliers and ensure smooth project handovers from development to production.
  • Resolve supply chain issues, including quality concerns, sourcing risks, and supplier disruptions, while maintaining continuity of supply.
  • Drive process improvements, supporting the adoption of best practices and the development of KPIs to enhance purchasing efficiency and performance.
  • Ensure compliance, maintaining approved sources, contracts, audit schedules, and contributing to strategic initiatives like supplier rationalisation and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

  • Experience in purchasing within a low‐volume, high‑mix engineering/manufacturing environment.
  • Strong analytical, IT, and negotiation skills, with a solid understanding of supplier development, contract law, and Lean manufacturing principles.
  • Proficiency in SAP ERP systems is beneficial, alongside general comfort with digital procurement tools.
  • Experience with purchasing non‑IP items, mechanical components, or plastics is desirable, with LCC sourcing and project management experience as added advantages.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex supply chains and drive cost, quality, and delivery improvements through effective procurement practices.

Benefits & Culture

Join an ambitious, fast‑growing international organisation with a collaborative, inclusive culture where your ideas and impact truly matter. Play a meaningful role in driving growth at a global leader committed to partnering with customers to make the world a better place. Be part of a globally connected team, with opportunities to collaborate across regions and influence initiatives at scale. Benefit from a comprehensive and competitive rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and success.

We encourage applications from underrepresented individuals and people with diverse backgrounds. Although we always select the most qualified applicant for each role and make all decisions without regard to race, sex, age, or any other protected class, we are an inclusive, equal opportunity organization that prizes diversity. Your unique perspective is important to us.

Commodity Buyer - Mechanics, Sheetmetal and Plastics employer: Spectris

Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding international organisation that values collaboration and inclusivity, where your contributions can make a significant impact. As a Commodity Buyer in our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive rewards package and ample opportunities for professional growth while working in a culture that prioritises diversity and employee wellbeing.

Spectris

Contact Details:

Spectris Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commodity Buyer - Mechanics, Sheetmetal and Plastics

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their procurement processes and be ready to discuss how your skills can help improve their operations. Show them you mean business!

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of negotiating, try role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.

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 that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Commodity Buyer - Mechanics, Sheetmetal and Plastics

Supplier Selection and Approval
Contract Negotiation
Supplier Relationship Management
Category Management
Cost Reduction Strategies
Quality Improvement
Operational Efficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Commodity Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in low-volume, high-mix environments, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've managed.

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 your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention your negotiation skills and any experience with supplier management.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Whether it's improving costs or enhancing supplier relationships, let us see your problem-solving prowess!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our ambitious team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Spectris

Know Your Procurement Cycle

Familiarise yourself with the entire procurement cycle, especially in relation to supplier selection and contract negotiation. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they align with managing supplier relationships and driving cost improvements.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities by discussing specific examples where you've used data to make informed purchasing decisions. Highlight any experience you have with KPIs and how you've driven process improvements in previous roles.

Master Negotiation Techniques

Brush up on your negotiation skills! Be prepared to talk about successful negotiations you've led, particularly in pricing and delivery terms. Think of strategies that worked well for you and be ready to share them.

Understand Lean Manufacturing Principles

Since this role involves a solid understanding of Lean principles, be sure to articulate how you've applied these concepts in your previous positions. Discuss any relevant projects where you improved efficiency or reduced waste in the supply chain.