At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate pharmaceutical products globally to expand our client base.
- Company: Join Uniphar, a dynamic global leader in pharma and MedTech.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and collaboration in an international environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in procurement with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Full-time, Permanent
Stockley Park
The Role
Support the IS team to source products within the UK and worldwide to enable them to expand their client base. Ensure compliance with importation and work with manufacturers to negotiate on prices to expand our portfolio. The Buyer is responsible for quoting customers, building relationships with suppliers, and working with internal stakeholders within the business to include sales, operations, quality, regulatory, and finance.
Key Outcomes and Responsibilities
- Sourcing & Procurement: Research and identify potential new products and new suppliers. Quoting products for the IS and PS team. Looking for alternatives for difficult to source products. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure product availability and best pricing. Maximise inter-group purchases. Monitor and evaluate supplier performance to ensure consistency in volumes, competitive pricing, and improve lead times. Also working to support the PS team for unlicensed demand within the UK market.
- Inventory & Stock Management: Monitor stock levels to ensure there are no supply chain disruptions and excess stock accumulation. Ongoing review of expiry dates for the portfolio to mitigate any write-offs.
- Supplier/Customer Relationship Management: Act as the main point of contact for Suppliers, developing the relationship and expanding the range of either import or export lines. Collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing, finance) to ensure purchasing aligns with company objectives.
- Compliance & Reporting: Ensure all procurement activities comply with European and international regulations, including trade and customs laws. Maintain accurate purchasing & sales records and create reports on procurement activities, supplier & customer performance, and monitoring market trends for products. Work alongside the quality team to ensure compliance within our QMS system and maintain training records alongside supplier & customer qualifications.
- Administrative: Item creations, updating internal working documents, chasing outstanding orders with suppliers. Running transaction reports. Raising purchase orders. Running reports for shortage lines and products on the export ban list.
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Buyer, Procurement Specialist, or similar role (minimum 3-5 years).
- Knowledge and experience of trade regulations, import/export procedures, and customs laws would be an advantage.
- Strong work ethic, resilient and driven.
- Enjoy working in an entrepreneurial culture that moves quickly and requires rapid response and the ability to make quick, sound decisions.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to work with large sets of data and make informed decisions.
- Familiarity with procurement software and ERP systems (e.g. Exact, SAP, Oracle).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
- Fluency in English is essential. Additional European languages (e.g., French, German, Spanish, Italian) are a strong plus.
Personal Attributes
- Detail-oriented and highly organised.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- A proactive approach to sourcing, managing relationships, and driving process improvements.
Additional Information
This role may require occasional travel to meet with suppliers & customers and attend trade fairs. The position offers an opportunity for growth and advancement within a dynamic, international environment.
Pharmaceutical Buyer employer: Uniphar
Uniphar Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises a People First approach and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit. With a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and training opportunities, team members can thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful healthcare initiatives. The flexibility of hybrid working arrangements allows for a balanced work-life integration, making Uniphar an attractive choice for those seeking impactful roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pharmaceutical Buyer
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Uniphar. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Uniphar.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Uniphar. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Uniphar is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Pharmaceutical Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Uniphar!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Uniphar that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Uniphar!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Uniphar, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Uniphar
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Uniphar that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Uniphar’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
