Job Description

Job Summary:

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, procuring, and managing materials, components, and services that support both manufacturing, after sales and new product introduction (NPI) activities in a production environment. This role requires close coordination with engineering and production teams to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality supply of goods to meet production and development schedules.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Procurement & Sourcing

Source and procure raw materials, fabricated parts, mechanical and electrical components, and packaging required for production equipment or products. Identify and develop reliable suppliers aligned with organisational quality, delivery, cost and sustainability objectives. Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation and make sourcing recommendations. Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company procurement policies and audit requirements.

2. Price Negotiation & Cost Management

Conduct detailed cost analysis and negotiate pricing, payment terms, and contracts to achieve cost targets. Track market trends in metals, plastics, components, and logistics costs to support budgeting and cost forecasts. Partner with engineering and production teams on BOM accuracy, and cost-reduction initiatives. Maintain supplier price lists and ensure timely cost updates in the ERP system.

3. Supply Chain & Supplier Development

Build long-term relationships with strategic suppliers for consistent quality, reliability, and innovation. Develop supplier performance evaluations focusing on KPIs for quality, delivery, cost, and service. Drive supplier capability improvement to support production scaling and new product launches. Identify and onboard local suppliers to support localisation and sustainability goals.

4. Inventory & Material Management

Maintain optimal stock levels through effective demand forecasting and inventory control through supporting stock takes. Collaborate with production manager to align purchasing with material requirements planning (MRP). Monitor lead times and adjust purchasing strategies to minimize production downtime. Analyse obsolete and surplus materials and coordinate disposition or reallocation.

5. Invoice & Transaction Management

Validate supplier invoices against purchase orders and goods receipts for accuracy. Resolve discrepancies with finance and suppliers in a timely manner. Support audits and maintain accurate documentation for all procurement transactions. Ensure supplier payments are processed per agreed terms to maintain good supplier relationships.

6. New Product Introduction (NPI) Support

Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and project management teams on sourcing for new product development. Identify and qualify new suppliers and materials for prototype and pilot builds. Manage pre-production procurement activities and ensure material availability for NPI builds. Track procurement timelines and support the transition from prototype to mass production. Provide cost inputs for NPI project budgets and assist in design-for-cost reviews as part of NPI stage gate review.

7. Cross-functional Collaboration

Work closely with engineering, production, logistics, and quality teams to ensure material readiness and smooth production flow. Communicate supply issues proactively and develop recovery plans with internal and external stakeholders. Participate in cross-functional meetings to address material constraints and project milestones. Support after sales part requests for customers and the sales team

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

3 years of procurement experience in manufacturing

Experience supporting NPI or project-based sourcing. Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAGE, Catalyst). Knowledge of mechanical and fabricated components, castings, hydraulics, or electronic controls (depending on product type). Strong commercial, analytical, and negotiation skills.
Desired

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or CIPS certification

Key Competencies

Strategic sourcing and cost optimization Supplier development and performance management Cross-functional collaboration and communication Inventory and material control NPI and project procurement management Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability Ethical and transparent procurement practices
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Canteen Company events Company pension Employee discount Free parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person