At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sourcing of materials and build strong supplier partnerships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Thornton & Ross, a trusted partner in healthcare with a commitment to integrity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities and supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while shaping the future of healthcare products.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience, strong communication skills, and analytical mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Company: Thornton & Ross
Department: Procurement
Location: Huddersfield – Linthwaite, United Kingdom
Job level: Professionals
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
- 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.
- Free winter flu jab.
- 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.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Enhanced Family Leave.
- Plus, many more employee benefits & celebration events.
Direct Buyer in Huddersfield employer: STADA Group
At 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 not only play a pivotal role in our procurement processes but also benefit from competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and a comprehensive range of health and wellbeing support. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth and celebrates employee contributions.
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. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission of caring for people's health.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Direct Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to secure favourable terms. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Thornton & Ross.
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 align with our needs!
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 what makes you the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven savings, improved supplier relationships, or enhanced procurement processes. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at STADA Group
✨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 experience with sourcing, supplier management, and how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Direct Buyer, you'll need to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and negotiated in previous roles. This will show that you can handle stakeholder management with ease.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like resolving supplier performance issues or managing budgets under pressure. Think through your past experiences and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
The role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to make sound decisions based on data. Prepare to discuss how you've used market insights and spend analysis to drive savings or improve procurement processes in your previous jobs.
