Senior Buyer

The Business:Long established multi-site manufacturer turning over 25 million pounds per year, with a presence in the UK & USA focused on the development, production, and source of a vast range of ingredients for use in the food, pharma, and cosmetic industries.?

The role:As a Senior Buyer you will play a pivotal role in managing your own portfolio of suppliers and raw materials. Reporting directly to the Purchasing Manager, you will collaborate with various departments to forecast requirements, strategically source materials, and maintain strong relationships with supply chain partners. Your focus will be on optimizing stock levels to meet production and customer demands, contributing to the success of operations.

The environment:High-achieving and nurturing, with an emphasis on proactive approaches to overcome challenges new ideas are welcomed and championed.

The person:You possess a proven track record in supply chain and procurement, within manufacturing (particularly in the food or chemicals industry).

A committed team player with flexibility and a deadline-oriented mindset, the candidate should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. Successful stakeholder management and a consistent track record of meeting deadlines are crucial, along with excellent analytical abilities for effective forecasting and demand planning.You will have a minimum of 5 years in purchasing and strategic sourcing, coupled with at least 3 years in supply chain and logistics, the candidate brings essential expertise. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is a must, and experience with Sage Line 50 is preferred but not obligatory.

A committed team player with flexibility and a deadline-oriented mindset, you should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. Successful stakeholder management and a consistent track record of meeting deadlines are crucial, along with excellent analytical abilities for effective forecasting and demand planning.You will have a minimum of 5 years in purchasing and strategic sourcing, coupled with at least 3 years in supply chain and logistics, the candidate brings essential expertise. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is a must, and experience with Sage Line 50 is preferred but not obligatory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of suppliers and raw materials, ensuring optimum stock levels.
• Collate forecast and demand data for materials within assigned product groups.
• Conduct spend and opportunity analysis to prioritize strategic sourcing opportunities.
• Build and maintain solid relationships with supply chain partners.
• Establish and implement countermeasures to address negative performance and market trends.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the purchasing and supply chain.
• Source new suppliers, issue RFQs, and conduct competitive bid exercises.
• Continually develop the supply base.
• Address and resolve commercial/performance issues with suppliers.
• Support the Purchasing Manager in executing local and global strategic sourcing initiatives.

Requirements recap:

• Proven track record in supply chain and procurement roles, preferably in the food industry.
• Degree in Supply Chain or a related technical competency preferred.
• CIPS qualification or working towards this is highly preferred.
• 5+ years of purchasing and strategic sourcing experience is essential.
• 3+ years of supply chain and logistics experience.
• Strong Excel skills; experience with Sage Line 50 preferred but not essential.
• Highly committed team player, flexible, and able to work to tight deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills, with a focus on teamwork and relationship building.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage meetings with all stakeholders.
• Ability to consistently achieve deadlines.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to use consumption data for forecast and demand planning models.

If you recognise yourself in the above description, I would love to have a confidential and no-obligation chat.

Thanks to all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.