Manufacturing Buyer

The Company

Our client is a well-established engineering and manufacturing business supplying high-quality products to customers across a range of technical industries. With a strong reputation for quality, innovation and customer service, they offer a collaborative working environment.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Buyer to join a busy Supply Chain team. You will be responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, components and subcontract services, supporting production schedules while maintaining strong supplier relationships. Working closely with Planning, Engineering, Manufacturing and Sales, you will play a key role in optimising supplier performance, negotiating commercial agreements and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

• Manage the procurement of materials, components and subcontract services to support production requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, driving improvements in cost, quality and delivery performance.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times and commercial agreements with suppliers.
• Monitor MRP outputs and ensure purchase orders are placed in line with production demand.
• Work closely with Engineering and Sales to support new product introduction and identify cost-effective sourcing solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory management through lean supply chain techniques, including Kanban and buffer stock strategies.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement continuous improvement plans where required.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and ERP data.

• Previous experience within a Buyer, Purchasing or Supply Chain role in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Must have electronics experience.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Good understanding of modern purchasing and inventory management techniques, including JIT and Kanban.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships across multiple departments.
• Good commercial awareness with a proactive approach to cost reduction.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS would be advantageous.

• Up to £37,000
• Company pension.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Stable, supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing engineering business.