At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts to ensure supply and profitability.
- Company: Join a dynamic company that values trust, openness, and accountability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Occasional travel to suppliers and other sites may be necessary.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the automotive industry while developing your negotiation and analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or Mathematics; strong negotiation and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
- Senior Buyer
- Key Areas of Responsibility, Duties and Deliverables Expected
Responsibilities
- Manage RFQ to SOP activities, including New Product Introduction (NPI).
- Manage a wide range of commodities and suppliers, including Films, Foams, Tapes, Clips, Coatings and Stampings.
- Manage supplier relationships and sourcing activities to ensure continuity of supply.
- Secure supply whilst maximising profitability for the business.
- Negotiate and manage unit pricing and year-on-year cost reductions.
- Establish and maintain framework agreements with suppliers.
- Negotiate Incoterms, minimum order quantities (MOQs), payment terms and lines of credit.
- Manage commercial agreements to support business objectives.
- Deliver cost reduction initiatives whilst maintaining quality, delivery and service levels.
- Manage projects from RFQ through to SOP, ensuring key milestones and objectives are achieved.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support operational and commercial requirements.
- Analyse supplier quotations and associated costs to support purchasing decisions.
- Present commercial information, cost analysis and project updates to management.
- Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and other internal departments to support business objectives.
- Visit suppliers and manufacturing sites as required.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Purchasing function.
- General Responsibilities & Duties
- Adhere to company quality awareness.
- Meeting Health and Safety standards, supporting others to do the same.
- Assist other areas of the business when required to carry out the same or similar tasks.
- Any other reasonable duties required.
- Personal Attributes
- Extremely self-motivated with a 'can do' approach.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to summarise complex data and present it clearly.
- Flexible approach to support business requirements.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Required Education, Skills, Training and Experience
Education
Essential
- Degree qualified, ideally in Business, Mathematics or a similar discipline.
Desirable
- CIPS qualification.
Skills
Essential
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to evaluate delivered goods costs.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and Power Point skills.
- Excellent literacy and numeracy.
- Fluent written and spoken English.
- Ability to manage projects from RFQ through to SOP.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
- Knowledge of automotive purchasing, preferably plastics-related commodities.
Experience
Essential
- Minimum of five years' experience as a Buyer or Graduate Buyer.
- Proven track record of delivering projects successfully.
- Proven track record of delivering cost reductions.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
Desirable
- Previous Automotive industry experience.
- Experience purchasing plastics or bought-out components.
- Core Values
We pride ourselves on our attitude & culture. It is essential that our Core Values are met irrespective of the job role.
TRUST
Belief and confidence in the reliability of what we do and how we behave.
OPENNESS
Acting with sincerity and transparency.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Taking ownership of our actions and behaviours and delivering our objectives.
RESPECT
Positive behaviours and actions towards others for their abilities, qualities and achievements.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
Applying an enterprising mindset to create new opportunities for change, growth for personal and/or business success.
AGILITY
Operating with a rapid and continuous approach to grow our business and our competitive advantage.
- Health & Safety Responsibilities
- Set a good example of safe behaviour, particularly to new entrants and young persons.
- Work in a safe manner and observe site Health and Safety rules and procedures.
- Do not misuse or interfere with anything provided to ensure the Health and Safety of themselves and others.
- Correctly use the protective clothing and equipment provided.
- Report any safety concerns promptly to their Supervisor and take action to prevent injury if it is safe to do so.
- Report all injuries that occur at work and obtain the necessary first aid treatment.
- Help in the investigation of accidents to prevent recurrence.
- Additional Information
Occasional travel to other WHS Plastics sites and supplier locations may be required, including UK travel and, where necessary, overseas travel.
This job description reflects the general nature and level of work assigned to the role.
It does not restrict management's right to reassign duties, responsibilities or location at any time based on business needs if the work is similar, related or a logical reassignment for the position.
The company will, where possible, take into account your personal circumstances.
If you feel you're the right fit for this position, please click
'Apply' to join our team!
Please note: We operate an exclusive recruitment partnership with Owen Daniels and therefore kindly request no agency contact.
For any recruitment-related enquiries, please contact Owen Daniels directly.
Senior Buyer in Birmingham employer: WHS plastics
As a Senior Buyer at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that values trust, openness, and accountability. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, all while being part of a team dedicated to excellence in the automotive industry. Located in a vibrant area with access to various suppliers and resources, this role provides unique advantages for building strong relationships and driving impactful results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Birmingham
✨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 WHS plastics.
✨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 Senior Buyer in Birmingham
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 WHS plastics:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to WHS plastics. 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 WHS plastics.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHS plastics
✨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 WHS plastics!
✨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 WHS plastics. 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 WHS plastics's culture.
