At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement cycle, source materials, and build supplier relationships.
- Company: Major manufacturing business in Mid-Ulster with a focus on efficiency.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent position with opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be a key player in ensuring smooth operations and driving value.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills, proficiency in Excel, and great organisational abilities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a major manufacturing business in Mid-Ulster who are hiring for a new Buyer to join their team on a full-time permanent basis. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth flow of materials, components, and services that keep operations running efficiently - all while driving value and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Your New Role:
- Sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, components, and services in line with company cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
- Building and maintaining long‑term supplier relationships to ensure a reliable and consistent supply chain.
- Monitoring inventory levels and working closely with production and logistics to ensure timely replenishment.
- Processing purchase orders and maintaining accurate procurement documentation.
- Evaluating supplier performance and maintaining an approved supplier database.
- Collaborating with internal departments to understand purchasing requirements and align with company strategy.
- Identifying and implementing cost‑saving initiatives and process improvements.
- Ensuring compliance with company policies, legal obligations, and industry regulations.
What You’ll Bring:
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel).
- Great organisational and time‑management abilities.
- A keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a close‑knit team.
Interested? For a confidential chat about this opportunity, reach out to our supply chain specialist Michael Irwin today!
Buyer employer: Vickerstock
Join a well-established food manufacturing and ingredients business in Belfast, where you will be part of a dynamic technical team dedicated to ensuring food safety and quality. With a supportive work culture that values employee growth, you will benefit from a competitive salary, health care cash plan, pension scheme, and enhanced maternity and paternity benefits, all while enjoying a permanent position with free parking. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the food industry, working closely with experienced professionals and contributing to high standards of compliance and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨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 Vickerstock.
✨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 Buyer
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 Vickerstock:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vickerstock. 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 Vickerstock.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨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 Vickerstock!
✨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 Vickerstock. 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 Vickerstock's culture.
