At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of materials and services for urgent repair operations.
- Company: Join Sulzer, a leading engineering company with a legacy of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 33 days leave, and health perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth in a diverse environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in fluid engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of MRO categories.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
About the role
Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, supporting customers across critical industries to maximise the reliability, performance and efficiency of their operations. With annual sales of more than CHF 3.6 billion, around 13,000 employees worldwide, and shares listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange. Our Birmingham site is an 82,000 sq. ft, state-of-the-art service centre, forming part of the largest OEM service footprint in the UK with 14 locations nationwide. Our Birmingham Service Centre delivers urgent repair and overhaul solutions for rotating equipment across all brands – including pumps, generators, motors, turbines, and compressors. From root cause analysis to fast component manufacture and redesign, we offer a true one-stop shop for our customers.
We are seeking an experienced Buyer to enhance our procurement capability. In this role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the timely and cost-effective supply of materials and services that underpin our repair operations. Working within a fast-paced, engineering-led environment, you will support urgent turnaround demands while upholding strong commercial and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities- Manage procurement of MRO materials, spares, and services for repair operations
- Source and negotiate with international suppliers, ensuring best value and delivery performance
- Support expedited purchasing for urgent repair jobs
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships globally
- Monitor and manage supplier performance (cost, quality, delivery)
- Work closely with engineering, operations, and planning teams
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures
- Proven experience in a Buyer / Procurement role, ideally within engineering or industrial environments
- Strong knowledge of MRO categories (e.g., mechanical components, machining services, repair parts)
- Experience managing international supply chains and suppliers
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, reactive environment with tight turnaround times
- Strong negotiation and commercial skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Familiarity with ERP systems
- A competitive basic salary
- Company-wide bonus scheme
- 33 days annual leave
- Defined pension contributions
- Access to Medicash helping you cover everyday health costs like dental optical and physiotherapy plus a range of wellbeing perks
- Confidential support via Employee Assistance Programmes
- Access to discounts on shopping entertainment lifestyle plus opportunity to apply for Costco membership
- Discounted personal car leasing for you your family and friends
- Long Service Awards celebrating your commitment
- Continuous learning opportunities through Sulzer Learning Pathways
Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
Buyer in Birmingham employer: Sulzer
Sulzer is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Aberdeen where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a competitive salary, 33 days of annual leave, and a strong emphasis on ongoing learning and development, employees are empowered to grow their skills and advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects in the engineering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Birmingham
✨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 Sulzer.
✨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 Birmingham
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 Sulzer:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sulzer. 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 Sulzer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sulzer
✨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 Sulzer!
✨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 Sulzer. 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 Sulzer's culture.
