Senior Buyer

Location: Blackburn

Salary: Up to £45,000

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About Our Client

Our client, a leading company in the manufacturing industry, is recognised for its dedication to innovation and operational excellence. They are seeking a skilled and driven Senior Buyer to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity for a rising professional to make a meaningful contribution to a progressive organisation.

The Role

As the Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for the procurement of materials, goods, and services, ensuring the optimisation of cost, quality, and service. You will lead sourcing strategies, drive value engineering initiatives, and manage risks, contributing significantly to the supply chain's effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Safety First: Champion and maintain a safe working environment, fostering a culture where safety is paramount.
Supplier Management: Identify and evaluate suppliers for finished goods, raw materials, and services. Manage tenders, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Cost Management: Calculate and manage the cost of goods, working to optimise procurement costs while maintaining quality and service levels.
Quality Assurance: Collaborate with the QA department to audit and assess suppliers, resolve quality claims, and maintain an accurate vendor database.
Inventory Management: Optimise stock levels using DDMRP buffer methodology and ensure consistent availability across set categories.
Team Development: Coach and develop two direct reports, fostering their growth within the supply chain team.

Key Interfaces

Collaborate closely with the Supply Chain team, Manufacturing Teams, and Quality Team.
Manage relationships with key supplier contacts including buyers, marketing, and finance.

Key Performance Indicators

95% category availability, vendor assessment performance, and OTIF performance.
85% OEE performance
Ensure the quality of purchased components and finished goods.
Successfully pass 6S Audits and adhere to EH&S protocols.

Qualifications and Experience

Proven experience in a buyer/procurement role within an international FMCG company.
Strong negotiation and analytical skills with a track record of efficiency and cost improvements.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a results-driven and proactive mindset.
CIPS qualification - or working towards it. (Advantageous)
Experience in Lean Manufacturing. (Advantageous)

Why this role?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in our supply chain operations, driving value and efficiency. If you are a dynamic and experienced procurement professional looking to make a significant impact, we would love to hear from you.

The best part of this is, if you are successful in getting the job, we guarantee that you are going to love it. Why? For every 100 people we recruit, 96% are still with their company 12 months later, and 94% are still there 2 years later. That speaks for itself.

To apply, click on the apply button below, contact Natasha at or call the Mercury Hampton office directly on,.