At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of indirect goods and services across UK plants.
- Company: Join Synthomer, a leader in sustainable materials and innovative polymers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global bonus scheme, flexible working options, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team shaping the future of sustainable materials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic, international organisation focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products. At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
As our Site Buyer – Indirects, you’ll play a key role in managing the procurement of indirect goods and services across our UK plants. You’ll partner closely with site teams, regional category managers, and suppliers to ensure we secure high‐quality products and services at the best value—while upholding Synthomer’s commitment to SHE, ethics, and sustainability. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious procurement professional wanting to make a real impact in a dynamic, international organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own and manage the procurement process for assigned indirect spend categories—from vendor sourcing through to contract execution.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders, ensuring site requirements are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.
- Benchmark performance and identify opportunities by working closely with local and regional procurement teams.
- Champion preferred suppliers, nurturing strong, value-driven relationships while resolving any supplier performance issues.
- Oversee transactional procurement using SAP and Ariba, ensuring smooth PR-to-PO flow and invoice resolution.
- Lead negotiations to secure optimal terms, conditions, and commercial value.
- Participate in local and group projects, balancing functional requirements with economic impact.
- Embed SHE compliance and sustainability into every procurement activity.
- Stay ahead of the curve by promoting innovation and exploring new technologies in the market.
What You’ll Bring
- A Diploma or Degree in a relevant field.
- 5+ years of procurement experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in CAPEX and engineering procurement.
- Solid understanding of transactional purchasing and basic accounting principles.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- A proactive, analytical mindset with a commitment to delivering best‐value procurement.
- Familiarity with SAP and Ariba is highly advantageous.
At Synthomer, you’ll be part of an innovative, collaborative, and international team that is shaping the future of sustainable materials. We offer opportunities for professional growth, meaningful work, and a culture where your ideas truly matter. Join us and help drive a more efficient, sustainable, and value‐focused procurement function across our UK operations.
Global Benefits Overview
- Competitive, market-aligned compensation
- Discretionary global bonus scheme
- Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
- Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
- Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
- Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
- Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
- Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
- Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
- Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
- Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
- Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
Site Buyer, Indirect employer: Synthomer Plc
At Synthomer, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your contributions truly matter. As a Site Buyer for Indirects, you'll enjoy competitive compensation, flexible working options, and extensive learning and development opportunities, all while being part of a company committed to sustainability and innovation. Join us in shaping the future of high-performance materials and experience a culture that values inclusion and employee growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Buyer, Indirect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Synthomer on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Synthomer’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Site Buyer, you’ll need to showcase your ability to secure the best deals. 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 seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Buyer, Indirect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Site Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in engineering or manufacturing, and showcase any relevant skills like negotiation and stakeholder management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed procurement processes and collaborated with teams to deliver results.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love a proactive mindset! In your application, mention instances where you've used analytical skills to identify opportunities or improve procurement processes. This will show us you’re ready to make an impact.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Synthomer Plc
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in indirect goods and services. Be ready to discuss your experience with CAPEX and engineering procurement, as well as how you've managed vendor relationships in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Synthomer values securing optimal terms, so be ready to explain your approach to negotiations and how you achieved the best value for your previous employers.
✨Understand Their Sustainability Goals
Since Synthomer is committed to sustainability, do your homework on their initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you can embed SHE compliance and sustainability into procurement activities, showcasing your proactive mindset.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP and Ariba
If you have experience with SAP and Ariba, highlight it! If not, take some time to learn the basics. Being able to discuss how you would oversee transactional procurement using these tools will show you're ready to hit the ground running.
