Operational Buyer

Birmingham | £42,000 per annum

Hybrid - 2 days at home 3 days in the office

We are partnering with a leading electronic engineering and manufacturing business in Birmingham seeking an experienced Operational Buyer to join their UK purchasing team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys end‑to‑end supplier management, negotiation and driving continuous improvement in a fast‑paced environment.

• Manage a defined portfolio of suppliers and subcontractors, developing and delivering clear category strategies.
• Source new supply solutions and challenge existing suppliers to drive improvements in quality, cost and delivery (QCD).
• Negotiate and maintain contract agreements in line with group purchasing terms and commercial T&Cs.
• Run RFQs, benchmark key suppliers and support major UK projects and NPD activity to strict timelines.
• Conduct supplier audits, monitor performance and lead corrective actions where required.
• Provide accurate, timely budgetary information and report cost movement and productivity savings.
• Support operational purchasing needs across all UK manufacturing sites, helping to minimise risk in the supply chain.
• Contribute to and uphold the company's CSR, core values and Code of Ethics in all purchasing activity.

• Proven experience in a purchasing or buying role, within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Comfortable managing both direct materials and indirect services, with an understanding of commercial contract terms and conditions.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills, with an eye for detail and continuous improvement.
• Confident communicator, able to work closely with stakeholders across operations, engineering, quality and finance.
• Highly IT literate, with strong Excel skills and experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Self‑motivated, organised and able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ideally MCIPS qualified or working towards and holding a valid UK driving licence.

Salary: £42,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Hours:

37.5 per week, typically 08:30‑16:30, Monday to Friday.

Location:

Birmingham (B19), with occasional UK supplier and site visits.

If you're a proactive buyer looking to take ownership of a key supplier portfolio and make a tangible impact on cost, quality and delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience and salary expectations.