At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing of raw materials and packaging for smooth production.
- Company: Join STADA UK Thornton & Ross, a trusted partner in healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, health benefits, and generous leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping the future of healthcare.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Huddersfield – Linthwaite | United Kingdom
STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.
Step into a key role at the heart of our Huddersfield manufacturing operation. As our Direct Buyer, you’ll be the driving force behind sourcing the raw materials and packaging that keep production running smoothly. From shaping smart category operation and building strong supplier partnerships to proactively driving projects that improve supply, value, and performance, you’ll play a central role in keeping the business moving forward. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing business needs, and know how to balance cost, quality, compliance, and continuity of supply, this is your chance to make a real impact.
How You Will Make an Impact
- Own a defined portfolio of direct goods and suppliers, using spend and market insight to spot opportunities, unlock savings, and resolve supplier performance issues.
- Play a central role in sourcing and supplier set-up for materials supporting the manufacture of pharmaceutical, OTC, consumer healthcare, and household products.
- Work cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and MS&T teams to support smooth operational delivery and respond effectively to business needs.
- Manage key supplier quality and non-conformance processes, ensuring issues are resolved quickly, stock is returned efficiently, and credits are secured on time.
- Drive procurement performance and compliance, supporting reporting, KPI tracking, packaging and raw material obligations, and accurate system and supplier data management.
- Contribute to continuous improvement across procurement, helping deliver strategy, support change management, and identify opportunities to reduce cost and risk.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven procurement experience within a regulated manufacturing environment, ideally in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or food.
- Confident communicator with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, able to build credibility across teams and suppliers.
- Solid end-to-end procurement expertise, with SAP experience an advantage and a strong grasp of purchasing processes.
- Commercially astute and analytical, able to identify issues, assess options, and make sound decisions.
- Successful track record in supplier negotiation, securing favourable terms while maintaining strong working relationships.
- Highly organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage budgets, balance multiple priorities, and perform well under pressure.
How we care for you
At Thornton & Ross our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:
- Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme.
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution rates.
- Hybrid working – we spend three days of your choice in the office, with the remaining days working at home.
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays with the potential to buy up to 5 additional days.
- On-site subsidised canteen.
- Health benefits provided through our Medicash Health Cash Plan.
- Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing – offering free coaching and counselling services for you and your family.
- Electric Car Scheme through Octopus Energy, plus free on-site EV charging.
- Enhanced Family Leave.
- Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.
STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.
Direct Buyer in Huddersfield employer: STADA Arzneimittel AG
At STADA UK Thornton & Ross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Huddersfield where our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility, and One STADA guide us. As a Direct Buyer, you will benefit from competitive salaries, a hybrid working model, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support, all while contributing to our mission of Caring for People’s Health. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that fosters employee growth and innovation, making a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Buyer in Huddersfield
✨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 values. Understand their mission of 'Caring for People’s Health' and think about how your skills align with that. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly fits their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Direct Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure favourable terms. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Thornton & Ross team.
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Buyer in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Direct Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in regulated environments like pharmaceuticals or healthcare. We want to see how your skills match 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 this role and how you embody our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility, and One STADA. Let us know how you can make an impact!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements. Did you negotiate a great deal or improve supplier performance? We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at STADA Arzneimittel AG
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in regulated environments like pharmaceuticals or healthcare. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to sourcing raw materials and managing supplier relationships.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Direct Buyer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various teams and suppliers. Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships and resolved conflicts in the past. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about times when you've had to negotiate with suppliers or manage quality issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
The role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to analyse data. Be prepared to discuss how you've used market insights to drive savings or improve procurement performance. Highlight any experience with SAP or similar systems to show you're tech-savvy.
