Buyer

The Villeroy & Boch Group with its Ideal Standard brand is one of the world's leading manufacturers in the ceramics and lifestyle sector. With our innovative and stylish products from the Dining & Lifestyle and Bath & Wellness segments, we have been creating moments and rooms to feel good in since 1748. Our success is based on the passion, design expertise and innovative strength of our more than 13,000 employees in 42 countries.

Reporting into the Procurement Operations Manager, this is a key role within the UK Local Procurement Team. The primary goal of this role is to obtain the goods or services at the lowest total cost while meeting the boundary conditions of specification, delivery, quality, and service. The role involves working closely with all departments within the organisation to identify potential savings, maintaining and developing relationships with new and existing vendors/suppliers. It will also involve supporting the Central Procurement Team at a local level on specific tasks to help execute projects.

• Manage the process of purchase orders and ensure that purchases are made in accordance with the company’s procurement processes and that payment terms are controlled in line with corporate guidelines.
• Issuing and managing tenders and RFQ’s.
• Resolve queries/problems with purchases/and or suppliers to maintain high service levels.
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity of local purchasing and supplier records.
• Conduct benchmarking and overall market assessment to support the development of the procurement strategy, aligned with customer’s requirements and in compliance with global and regional indirect procurement strategies.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and other criteria.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to obtain favourable agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues that arise.
• Renew or terminate contracts as needed, based on supplier performance and business needs.
• Maintain prices, info records and quote agreements.
• Analyse usage, cost, and performance data.

• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in a procurement role.
• Good understanding of purchasing practices and processes.
• Experience of buying a wide range of both direct and indirect goods and services.
• Experience in working with cross functional teams.
• Experience in managing and negotiating with vendors.

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience of SAP (desirable).
• Working towards or willing to work towards CIPS qualification.
• Full clean driving licence.

• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• Good communication and influencing skills.
• Able to build relationships.
• Flexible and agile to meet changing demands.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Capable of working as part of a team.
• Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Travel within UK to supplier meetings may be required.