At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage engineering components while ensuring cost, quality, and delivery performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic procurement team in a leading engineering firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow your career in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact by optimising purchasing processes and supporting innovative projects.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 3 or equivalent, with proven purchasing experience and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
As a Buyer, you’ll play a key role within the Procurement team, working closely with the Senior Buyer to source and manage a diverse portfolio of engineering components, materials, and services. You’ll help ensure the best balance of cost, quality, and delivery performance while supporting the procurement process from requirement through to supply. This includes interpreting and converting Bills of Materials (BoMs) into purchasing requirements, helping to keep projects on track and supply chains running efficiently. The Buyer will also support the Senior Buyer in improving purchasing processes to increase efficiency and deliver value across the business.
Duties:
- Requesting quotations from approved and prospective suppliers
- Analysing quotations and selecting suppliers based on price, quality, delivery and capability
- Raising purchase orders and issuing purchase order numbers in accordance with company procedures
- Leading negotiations with suppliers to achieve cost reductions and improved commercial terms
- Maintaining and developing effective relationships with the supply base
- Ensuring that parts, materials and services are purchased at competitive prices and delivered on time without compromising quality
- Identifying and evaluating new suppliers
- Negotiating improved payment terms, supplier agreements and commercial arrangements
- Supporting the reduction or rationalisation of underperforming suppliers where appropriate
- Resolving invoice and purchase order queries with suppliers and the Finance team
- Supporting the Senior Buyer in developing key suppliers and maintaining supplier KPIs in accordance with the Senior Buyer’s direction
- Working closely with Engineering, Design and other relevant stakeholders to support new projects, new concepts and materials-estimating activities
- Overseeing the return of rejected, surplus or incorrect goods and monitoring the receipt of supplier credits
- Communicating with the Finance team regarding costs, credits and new or existing suppliers
- Identifying opportunities to improve purchasing methods, increase efficiency and reduce external expenditure
- Maintaining accurate purchasing and supplier records within the company’s systems
- Carrying out other reasonable duties consistent with the responsibilities of the role
Skills/Qualifications:
- A minimum of CIPS Level 3, or an equivalent relevant qualification
- Proven purchasing experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment
- Strong negotiation skills and a confident commercial approach
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Competence in the use of Sage 200, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word
- The ability to interpret Bills of Materials and technical purchasing requirements
- The ability to organise and prioritise competing workloads
- Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
- The ability to solve problems, use initiative and make appropriate decisions independently
- The ability to build effective working relationships and work well as part of a team
Buyer in Hampshire employer: STS Defence
As a Regional Systems Engineer at STS Defence, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge engineering services within the naval sector. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities tailored to enhance your skills in a supportive environment. Located in the vibrant Devonport area, we provide a unique chance to contribute to significant MOD contracts while enjoying the benefits of a strong community and a commitment to employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Hampshire
✨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 STS Defence.
✨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 Buyer in Hampshire
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 STS Defence:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to STS Defence. 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 STS Defence.
How to prepare for a job interview at STS Defence
✨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 STS Defence!
✨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 STS Defence. 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 STS Defence's culture.
