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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate for materials, ensuring supply and cost efficiency.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading manufacturing environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with global suppliers and enhance your career.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving cost savings and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
The Senior Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing specific commodity categories to ensure consistent supply, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance. This role ensures materials and components are available to meet production schedules while driving cost savings, quality improvements, and strong supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Sourcing
- Manage the end‑to‑end procurement process for assigned commodities.
- Source new suppliers and evaluate alternative materials or components to reduce costs and enhance supply continuity.
- Conduct market research to understand price trends, supply risks, and global commodity movements.
- Review RFQs, negotiate pricing, and secure best‑value agreements aligned with organisational goals.
- Supplier Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers to ensure dependable supply.
- Monitor supplier performance in terms of cost, quality, delivery, and compliance.
- Conduct supplier reviews, audits, and performance improvement activities.
- Resolve supply issues and escalate risks to the business where required.
- Cost & Contract Management
- Support cost‑saving and value engineering initiatives while ensuring material availability.
- Prepare and present cost analysis, forecasts, and supplier proposals.
- Negotiate commercial terms, long‑term agreements, and service-level expectations.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Planning teams to support manufacturing requirements.
- Assist in new product development projects by sourcing suitable materials and components.
- Ensure procurement decisions support overall production efficiency and company strategic goals.
- Data, Systems & Compliance
- Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP/MRP systems.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and ethical procurement practices.
- Track commodity KPIs and generate reports as required.
Skills & Experience Required
- Essential
- Proven experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain roles—preferably within manufacturing or engineering environments.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Ability to analyse data, interpret market trends, and make cost‑effective decisions.
- Proficient with ERP/MRP/SAP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Desirable
- CIPS qualification (or studying towards it).
- Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement principles.
- Experience managing global suppliers or complex commodity categories.
Key Competencies
- Commercial awareness
- Decision‑making
- Problem‑solving
- Relationship building
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and resilience
Senior Buyer in Maidstone employer: Terry Parris Associates Ltd
Contact Detail:
Terry Parris Associates Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Senior Buyer role that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Show us you understand their procurement challenges and how your skills can help solve them. Tailor your answers to highlight your negotiation and supplier management experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and make sure to follow up after applying to show your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in procurement and how you’ve driven cost savings and improved supplier relationships. Confidence is key, so let us see how you can add value to the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in manufacturing or engineering environments, and showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency with ERP/MRP/SAP systems and Microsoft Excel. We love candidates who can analyse data and interpret market trends, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our team. We appreciate a personal touch, so let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Terry Parris Associates Ltd
✨Know Your Commodities
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific commodity categories relevant to the role. Understand current market trends, pricing fluctuations, and potential supply risks. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured cost savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your strong negotiation skills, which are essential for a Senior Buyer.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked with other departments like Production or Engineering. Be prepared to explain how your procurement decisions supported their goals. This shows that you understand the bigger picture and can work effectively across teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP/MRP Systems
Since proficiency in SAP and other systems is essential, brush up on your knowledge of these tools. If possible, mention any specific experiences you've had with data management or compliance within these systems during the interview.