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.