Buyer
Buyer – Technology brand
Location: Dorset Salary: Up to £35,000 Job Type: 6-12 month FTC initially - potential to go permanent
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous buying/purchasing experience, looking to join an established business on a temp-to-perm basis .
The role offers the chance to step into a busy procurement environment, get to know the business, build strong relationships with suppliers and colleagues, and make a genuine impact from day one. Subject to performance and ongoing business requirements, this role has the potential to develop into a permanent position, therefore you’ll have the opportunity to establish whether the role and environment are the right long-term fit for you.
Working closely with colleagues across Production, Quality, Technical, Planning and other internal functions, you’ll take ownership of supplier relationships, purchasing activity and supply continuity, working with a broad supplier base and playing a key part in ensuring the smooth running of manufacturing operations.
If you’re looking for a new opportunity and have the flexibility of starting on a temporary basis while looking for the right long-term opportunity, this could be a great next step.
Dorset Up to £35,000
Key Responsibilities
- Manage purchasing activity across an assigned range of commodities, ensuring continuity of supply.
- Schedule and monitor incoming materials against forecast demand and production requirements.
- Generate and issue purchase orders to nominated suppliers.
- Maintain strong supplier relationships and proactively manage supplier performance.
- Expedite outstanding orders and communicate potential supply delays that could affect production or customer requirements.
- Work closely with Quality and Technical teams to manage supplier non-conformances and agree appropriate corrective actions.
- Investigate supplier pricing discrepancies and obtain credit notes where required.
- Maintain accurate purchasing and supply information within the ERP/MRP system.
- Coordinate material samples and maintain appropriate records.
- Monitor raw material requirements, pricing and market conditions, supporting appropriate procurement strategies.
- Identify and deliver cost-saving and value-improvement opportunities across the assigned commodity base.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost, quality, delivery and operational efficiency.
- Maintain accurate demand planning information to support effective materials planning.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to identify and resolve supply-related issues promptly.
- Monitor and achieve agreed procurement and supply-chain KPIs.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience within a purchasing or procurement role, ideally within a manufacturing environment .
- Proven experience managing supplier relationships and resolving supply issues.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience using an ERP/MRP system to support purchasing and materials planning.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel , including creating, reviewing and checking formulas.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with confidence working with large datasets.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships both internally and externally.
- A proactive, commercially aware and results-driven approach.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate procurement information.
- A collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues across the wider business.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with demand planning and materials planning.
- Knowledge of Kanban, VMI, buffer stock or consignment stock arrangements.
- Experience supporting cost-saving or strategic sourcing projects.
- CIPS qualification or currently studying towards a relevant procurement qualification.
- Experience working with raw material pricing and commodity markets.
If you have previous experience within buying/purchasing and you enjoy working in a dynamic manufacturing environment where you can make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
The company is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.