Category Buyer

Position Title: Category Buyer

Duration: Contract

Location: Solihull

Essential Criteria:

• The individual will form part of driving the purchasing function of this UK based global brand to ensure a robust and committed supply chain.
• You will have a successful track record of delivery within manufacturing / engineering / automotive industries.
• You will be an enthusiastic and capable individual whose internal relationships will be as important as those with your suppliers.
• You will have responsibility for liaising with Chinese based Supplier.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Responsible for defining a category sourcing strategy for your area of spend in line with the Clients' future product plan.
• Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and keep up good communications, ensuring that a professional and consistent approach is taken up.
• Plan and carry-out robust Early Supplier engagement for all new Client projects
• Responsibility for all components within your category area on current production models.
• Acting as a point of contact to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues, escalating to management when needed.
• Support the purchasing function and other relevant departments, communicating any supply problems which may impact on a project/s within your category spend.
• Prepare and raise orders and order schedules.
• Negotiate contracts, improving prices and terms with suppliers whilst maintaining quality standards and expected delivery lead times.
• Work closely with team members to review opportunities for continuous improvement within the purchasing function.
• Access and contribute to the evaluation of current and/or prospective suppliers in relation to performance (quality, cost, delivery on time)

Nice to Have Criteria:Personal Specification

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Previous Procurement experience within automotive
• High level of attention to detail and well organised
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise workload
• Mandarin Language Skills preferred
• A highly flexible individual who can adjust to a very agile environment
• Proactive, methodical, practical and persistent
• Able to work well under pressure
• Works well within a team
• Microsoft Office suite proficient
• Must have the Right To Work in the UK