At a Glance
- Tasks: Source products, negotiate with suppliers, and manage procurement processes.
- Company: Established international trading company based in Colchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Friendly team environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in international procurement and work with global suppliers.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, procurement, or customer service is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Colchester, Essex (Office-based)
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm (37.5 hours per week)
Are you looking to develop your career in international procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or sourcing? Our client, a well-established and growing international trading company based in Colchester, is looking to recruit an International Buyer to join their successful procurement team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in buying, purchasing, procurement, supply chain, logistics, import/export or customer service, who enjoys working in a fast-paced international environment. Previous buying experience is advantageous but not essential, as full training will be provided for the right candidate.
About the Company
Our client is an established international trading business specialising in the sourcing and supply of specialist industrial equipment to customers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and worldwide. They pride themselves on delivering outstanding customer service, building long-term supplier relationships, and providing innovative procurement solutions for industrial clients.
The Role
As an International Buyer, you will play a key role in managing the procurement process from initial customer enquiry through to supplier negotiation, purchasing and delivery. Working closely with international suppliers, logistics partners and customers, you will ensure products are sourced competitively, orders are processed efficiently and deliveries are completed on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Source products and identify new international suppliers and manufacturers
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships (Supplier Relationship Management - SRM)
- Request and compare quotations from multiple suppliers
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms and delivery schedules
- Prepare customer quotations and pricing proposals
- Raise and manage purchase orders
- Monitor supplier performance and order progress
- Coordinate with warehouse, shipping and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery
- Resolve supplier or delivery issues where required
- Maintain accurate procurement and purchasing records
- Support Customer Relationship Management (CRM) activities to deliver excellent customer service
- Ensure purchasing activities meet company quality and commercial standards
Candidate Profile
We are interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Buying
- Procurement
- Purchasing
- Supply Chain
- Logistics
- Import & Export
- Shipping
- International Trade
- Customer Service
- Sales Support
- Commercial Administration
Essential Skills
- Fluent English (written and spoken)
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Strong administrative and organisational abilities
- High level of attention to detail
- Commercial awareness and good problem-solving skills
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple orders simultaneously
- Confident using Microsoft Office and business systems
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Full right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
- Own transport to commute to the office in Colchester
Desirable Skills
- Previous experience as a Buyer, Procurement Assistant, Purchasing Assistant, Purchasing Executive, Procurement Coordinator, Supply Chain Coordinator, Procurement Specialist or International Buyer
- Experience negotiating with suppliers
- Knowledge of logistics, shipping or international trade
- Experience using ERP, MRP or procurement systems
- Fluency in a second language is highly desirable, particularly: German, Italian, Arabic
What You'll Receive
- Salary of £30,000-£35,000 depending on experience
- Permanent full-time position
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Monday-Friday working hours (37.5 hours per week)
- Opportunity to build an international procurement career
- Friendly and supportive team environment
- Ongoing training and career development
- Exposure to global suppliers and international business
International Buyer - Procurement, Purchasing & Supply Chain in Colchester employer: The Language Business
Join a well-established international trading company in Colchester, where you will thrive in a supportive and friendly team environment dedicated to your professional growth. With a focus on outstanding customer service and innovative procurement solutions, this role offers you the chance to build a rewarding career in international procurement while enjoying competitive salary, generous annual leave, and ongoing training opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Buyer - Procurement, Purchasing & Supply Chain in Colchester
✨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 The Language Business.
✨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 International Buyer - Procurement, Purchasing & Supply Chain in Colchester
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 The Language Business:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The Language Business. 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 The Language Business.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Language Business
✨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 The Language Business!
✨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 The Language Business. 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 The Language Business's culture.
