At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Strategic Buyer, managing procurement and optimising costs.
- Company: Vickerstock partners with a leading manufacturing business to drive innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a chance to make an impact and develop your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values your input and fosters growth in procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: 2+ years buying experience, strong Excel skills, and excellent negotiation abilities required.
- Other info: Opportunity for a confidential chat about your career move with Michael Irwin.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with an industry-leading manufacturing business on the appointment of a Strategic Buyer. This is a brand-new position for our client, which offers the successful candidate the chance to make an immediate and long lasting impact on the procurement strategy.
As the Strategic Buyer, you will be responsible for purchasing materials in line with specified cost, quality, and delivery targets, while undertaking research and evaluations of areas for opportunity to reduce costs while maintaining excellent standards.
In your new role:
- Manage the supply of goods and materials, communicating supply problems and areas for improvement.
- Explore alternate sources for goods and materials.
- Negotiate with multiple external stakeholders to find the most cost-efficient purchase.
- Identify discrepancies that may arise with regards to stock, ordering or payment of material, investigate and resolve.
- Formulate and compile reports as required, including but not limited to, supplier performance, costs reductions and shortages.
- Responsible for calculating selling price for finished product (using the data from the initial cost of material).
- Work closely with our NPD department to research new product leads/developments.
- Lead team meetings and fully explain to the company upcoming purchasing trends and economic order quantities needed.
What you will need to succeed:
- 2+ years buying experience, preferably in manufacturing or FMCG industries.
- Excellent Excel skills.
- Strong and confident negotiation skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with customers, business partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Experience compiling and producing reports to management.
For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with Michael Irwin today!
Strategic Buyer employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about unadvertised job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your negotiation successes in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to secure cost-effective deals will showcase your value as a Strategic Buyer.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in data analysis and reporting. Being able to present data effectively will be crucial in your role and can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing and procurement, especially in manufacturing or FMCG industries. Use specific examples to demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Strategic Buyer role and explain how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your experience with cost reduction strategies and report compilation.
Showcase Your Excel Skills: Since excellent Excel skills are required, consider including specific examples of how you've used Excel in previous roles. This could be in the form of data analysis, reporting, or managing inventory.
Prepare for Interviews: If you get called for an interview, prepare to discuss your past experiences in detail. Be ready to provide examples of successful negotiations and how you've resolved supply issues in the past. Research common interview questions for procurement roles to feel more confident.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Strategic Buyer, negotiation is key. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully reduced costs or improved supplier terms. This will demonstrate your ability to handle multiple stakeholders effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've used Excel for data analysis in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with compiling reports on supplier performance or cost reductions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Industry Trends
Research current trends in manufacturing and FMCG sectors. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the market, which is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the company's procurement strategy and challenges they face. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your strategic thinking capabilities.