At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and procurement in a dynamic manufacturing environment to drive innovation.
- Company: Join SPX Technologies, a global leader in creating solutions for a sustainable world.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, educational assistance, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting projects that protect lives and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior buying within manufacturing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Building the people that build the world. With platforms in HVAC and Detection and Measurement, SPX Technologies builds innovative solutions that enable a safer, more efficient, sustainable world. Through our RiSE talent development framework, we Reach, Identify, Strengthen, and Engage our employees to support them in their continued development. We’re a global company of problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators, and our businesses build solutions that impact the world. As part of Detection and Measurement, Radiodetection is a global leader in the design and development of equipment and software used by utility companies to install, protect, and maintain underground infrastructure networks. Through precision and magnetic locators and ground penetrating radar, we help prevent damage to infrastructure utilities and protect lives.
How you will make an Impact (Job Summary)
SPX is a diverse team of unique individuals who all make an impact. As a Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for supporting strategic sourcing, project procurement and day-to-day supply chain activity within a technical manufacturing environment. This hands-on role will contribute to cost reduction, supplier performance, continuity of supply and New Product Introduction (NPI), working closely with Engineering, Project Management and Operations to support successful project delivery and reliable supply.
What you can expect in this role (Job Responsibilities)
- Lead sourcing and project procurement activity:
- Lead sourcing activity for new product introduction, engineering changes and cost reduction projects.
- Work closely with Engineering to influence sourcing decisions, support design-for-supply and identify commercially viable solutions for prototype and production requirements.
- Support successful project delivery by balancing technical, commercial, cost and supply requirements.
- Manage supplier performance, risk and commercial outcomes:
- Manage supplier relationships across cost, quality, delivery, capacity and risk.
- Visit suppliers where required to support relationship management, supplier development, issue resolution and sourcing activity.
- Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction, supplier consolidation and process improvement.
- Support supply continuity and procurement operations:
- Support continuity of supply through proactive management of lead times, obsolescence, single-source risk and supplier performance.
- Use ERP/MRP systems to manage demand, purchasing parameters, inventory and procurement reporting.
- Deputise for the Group Supply Chain Manager when required and provide support across the wider procurement workload in a small-team environment.
What we are looking for (Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education)
We each bring something to the table, and we are looking for someone who has:
Required Experience
- Proven senior buying experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment; at least 12 months in a current role at this level and 5+ years in procurement.
- Demonstrable experience supporting projects, NPI or project-based procurement activity.
- Strong technical understanding, ideally across electronic, electrical and mechanical components.
- Ability to work confidently with Engineering, Planning, Quality and Operations to balance technical and commercial requirements.
- Strong negotiation, supplier development and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing supplier performance, lead-time risk, obsolescence and cost reduction activity.
- Comfortable operating in a small, hands-on procurement team with a broad remit.
- ERP/MRP experience.
Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- IFS experience would be advantageous.
- CIPS qualification, or working towards it, would be beneficial.
- Experience contributing to supplier consolidation and process improvement initiatives.
- Strong collaboration skills across technical, operational and commercial stakeholders.
Education & Certifications
- Relevant degree, apprenticeship, professional qualification or equivalent experience in procurement, supply chain, engineering, manufacturing or a related discipline.
- CIPS qualification, or progress toward CIPS, preferred.
Travel & Working Environment
- Based in Bristol with hybrid working: office days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
- Supplier visits may be required to support relationship management, supplier development, issue resolution and sourcing activity.
How we live our culture
Our culture is at the center of what we do and, more importantly, who we are. Our core values set a standard for how we manage ourselves, and our Leadership Model sets the standard for how we engage with each other. Whether you are an individual contributor or you lead a large team, each of us leads at SPX.
What benefits do we offer?
We know that the well-being of our employees is integral. Our benefits include:
- Competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans.
- Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs.
- Our commitment to embrace diversity to build a culture of inclusion at SPX.
We value different backgrounds, experiences, and voices at SPX, and we are committed to challenging ourselves, openly communicating, and striving to improve every day. We believe in creating an inclusive work environment where everyone has a voice and is encouraged to realise their fullest potential.
Senior Buyer in Bristol employer: SPX Corporation
SPX Technologies is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development through its RiSE talent framework, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Located in Bristol, the company offers a hybrid working model, competitive compensation, and numerous growth opportunities, ensuring that employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to impactful solutions in the HVAC and Detection and Measurement sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Bristol
✨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 SPX Corporation.
✨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 Senior Buyer in Bristol
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 SPX Corporation:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SPX Corporation. 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 SPX Corporation.
How to prepare for a job interview at SPX Corporation
✨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 SPX Corporation!
✨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 SPX Corporation. 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 SPX Corporation's culture.