At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships to ensure operational success.
- Company: Established engineering and manufacturing business with growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000 and a chance to shape procurement strategy.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development and improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within engineering or manufacturing sectors is essential.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Chesterfield
Salary: Up to £50,000
The Opportunity
We are working with a leading engineering and manufacturing business seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join their procurement function. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven procurement professional with experience within the steel fabrication, engineering, or manufacturing sectors to take ownership of purchasing activities, supplier relationships, and procurement improvements across the business. You will play a key role in ensuring the consistent supply of materials, goods, and services, while driving cost efficiencies, improving processes, and supporting operational performance. You will also provide leadership and guidance to a small procurement team, helping to develop capability and deliver best-in-class purchasing practices.
The Role
- Managing the procurement of materials, goods, and services to meet operational requirements, ensuring the right balance of cost, quality, and delivery.
- Leading and supporting a small procurement team, providing coaching, mentoring, and guidance to improve performance.
- Managing supplier relationships and working closely with internal teams to ensure continuity of supply.
- Identifying and addressing supply chain risks, providing solutions and alternative options where required.
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement processes, efficiency, and overall business performance.
- Negotiating supplier agreements, pricing, and commercial terms to achieve value for money.
- Monitoring supplier performance, market trends, and opportunities for cost reduction.
- Ensuring procurement processes and policies are followed consistently.
- 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
- Proven procurement or purchasing experience within a steel fabrication, engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environment (essential).
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate effectively and make sound business decisions.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and improving procurement performance.
- Knowledge of lean inventory management principles and supply chain optimisation.
- The 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.
- A relevant procurement qualification (CIPS preferred) would be advantageous.
Why Join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established and growing business where you can make a real impact, shape procurement strategy, develop supplier partnerships, and contribute to ongoing operational improvements.
Please reach out to Sharon O'Donnell or Sabrina O'Donnell at The Highfield Company.
Group Buyer in Haverhill 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 Group Buyer in Haverhill
✨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 Group Buyer in Haverhill
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.
