Buyer

Position: Buyer

Location:Lancashire

Type: Full-time

Role Overview: The position involves managing the supplier base to ensure timely delivery of materials and services, meeting quality standards, and maintaining agreed costs while keeping inventory levels optimal. The role includes procurement responsibilities across various production and site maintenance departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse recommended orders, prioritise tasks, validate quotes, check budget pricing versus actual cost, and identify potential delays related to supplier lead times and contract delivery dates. Negotiate commercial terms to minimise risks and ensure the best pricing and incoterms before placing orders.
• Place purchase orders using the MRP system.
• Analyse sales orders and place purchase orders as needed.
• Collaborate with quality, engineering, and operations teams to ensure 100% on-time delivery, proactively addressing potential issues.
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate with the planning team to maintain customer lead-time expectations.
• Maintain the supplier database within the MRP system.
• Foster positive relationships with the sales/customer service teams by providing product lead times and cost information.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to secure the best cost and lead times.
• Issue enquiries to potential suppliers, including those from Sales, Proposals, and Projects.
• Monitor purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of materials and services.
• Verify supplier acknowledgements for price discrepancies and delivery dates.
• Expedite suppliers to ensure materials and services are delivered on time, aligning with production needs and sales forecasts.
• Identify potential new suppliers to support future business strategies and manage new vendor account setup, ensuring compliance with relevant internal departments.
• Take proactive steps to reduce inventory and increase NITO.
• Work with management to forecast inventory levels, analyse variances, and take corrective actions to achieve financial objectives.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Proficient in using an MRP system.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Good numeracy and literacy abilities.
• Experienced with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.
• Strong problem-solving, resolution, data analysis, and multi-tasking capabilities.
• Professional interaction with colleagues and suppliers.
• Strong presentation and reporting skills.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings is advantageous.
• A background in purchasing within an engineering environment is highly beneficial.