At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and optimise supplier performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established procurement team in Exeter with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible hours, and 20 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: High autonomy and clear progression path within a supportive engineering team.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on supply chain efficiency and process improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong analytical skills, and ability to manage supplier relationships.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Are you a data-driven procurement professional who enjoys solving complex supply chain challenges? Our client is looking to appoint a Specialized Buyer to join their established procurement team in Exeter. This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical purchasing professional who enjoys working with data, improving processes, managing supplier performance, and driving working capital improvements within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Working as part of a team, you will take ownership of a diverse supplier base, ensuring material availability while balancing inventory levels, cost, and service performance.
Responsibilities:
- Manage purchasing activities to ensure material availability aligns with production demand.
- Review and challenge MRP recommendations where appropriate.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, driving improvements in quality, delivery, and cost performance.
- Monitor supplier KPIs and proactively manage supply chain risks.
- Support inventory optimisation initiatives and working capital improvement projects.
- Negotiate payment terms, reduce lead times, and identify opportunities to improve cash flow.
- Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier data within the ERP system.
- Work closely with Planning, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics teams to resolve supply issues and support operational performance.
- Identify and implement process improvements across purchasing and supply chain activities.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Previous experience within a Buyer, Procurement or Supply Chain position within manufacturing.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and performance.
- A good understanding of MRP systems and purchasing processes.
- The ability to interpret data and make informed commercial decisions.
- Confidence working cross-functionally within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
In return we are offering:
- Competitive salary, depending on skills and experience.
- Pension Scheme.
- Working hours - 8:30am - 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am - 2pm Friday.
- 20 days holiday plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
This role offers a high level of autonomy, the opportunity to work on exciting OEM projects, and a clear path for progression within a supportive and forward-thinking engineering team. Interested? Then APPLY now for immediate consideration.
Specialized Buyer in Exeter employer: Vero HR
Vero HR is an exceptional employer located in Peterborough, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a modern office environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of annual leave plus your birthday off, Vero HR fosters a supportive atmosphere where team members can thrive while delivering outstanding client service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialized Buyer in Exeter
✨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 Vero HR.
✨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 Specialized Buyer in Exeter
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 Vero HR:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vero HR. 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 Vero HR.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vero HR
✨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 Vero HR!
✨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 Vero HR. 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 Vero HR's culture.
