At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and build strong supplier relationships in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Established engineering and manufacturing business with growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and enhance procurement processes while supporting your colleagues.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within industrial settings and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Chesterfield
Salary: Up to £50,000
The Opportunity
We are working with a well-established engineering and manufacturing business that is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Buyer to join its procurement function. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven procurement professional with experience in steel fabrication, engineering, manufacturing or a similar industrial environment. You will take ownership of purchasing activities, supplier relationships and procurement improvements, helping to ensure a reliable supply of materials, goods and services while driving cost efficiencies, process improvements and operational performance. The role will also involve providing leadership and guidance to a small procurement team, supporting their development and helping to implement best-practice purchasing processes.
The Role
- Managing the procurement of materials, goods and services, balancing cost, quality and delivery.
- Leading and supporting a small procurement team through coaching, mentoring and guidance.
- Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships and ensuring continuity of supply.
- Identifying supply chain risks and implementing effective solutions and alternative sourcing options.
- Supporting continuous improvement across procurement processes and procedures.
- Negotiating supplier agreements, pricing and commercial terms to achieve best value.
- Monitoring supplier performance, market trends and opportunities for cost savings.
- Ensuring procurement policies and processes are consistently followed.
- Resolving supplier issues relating to pricing, quality, delivery and invoicing.
- Producing procurement reports and KPI updates to support business reviews and decision-making.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- Proven purchasing or procurement experience within steel fabrication, engineering, manufacturing or a similar industrial environment - essential.
- Strong commercial awareness with excellent negotiation and decision-making skills.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and improving procurement performance.
- Knowledge of lean inventory management and supply chain optimisation.
- A proven ability to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or service.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong attention to detail with a structured and organised approach.
- Good IT skills, including strong Excel capability.
- A collaborative approach with the ability to influence and engage teams across the business.
- CIPS qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why Join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established and growing business where you can make a genuine impact. You'll have the opportunity to develop supplier partnerships, improve procurement processes, support a small team and play an important role in the company's ongoing operational and commercial performance.
For further information, please contact Sharon O'Donnell or Sabrina O'Donnell at The Highfield Company.
Buyer / Purchaser in Chesterfield employer: Sunblink
At Sunblink, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages professional development. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life while gaining valuable experience in diverse customer settings. With a strong focus on employee growth and a close-knit team culture, Sunblink is the ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the IT sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Purchaser in Chesterfield
✨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 Sunblink.
✨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 / Purchaser in Chesterfield
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 Sunblink:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sunblink. 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 Sunblink.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunblink
✨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 Sunblink!
✨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 Sunblink. 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 Sunblink's culture.
