Senior Buyer

Job Description

The role of Senior Buyer is essential for the supply of raw materials and services required in my clients new product development and on-going production. It is aligned to management of high value, high risk spend activity and strategic supplier relationships.Client DetailsIve exclusively partnered up with an expanding engineering & manufacturing business based in Manchester, as they look to strengthen their already established purchasing team with a Senior Buyer.DescriptionThe Senior Buyer will have the following responsibilities:Role summary:

• Sourcing of components and materials to support new product development and on-going production.
• Selection of domestic and international suppliers considering best value, quality of goods, service levels and risk management.
• To establish and manage strategic supplier relationships for assigned commodities.
• To ensure compliance with applicable legal frameworks and CSR.
• To effectively maintain the MRP system.
• To be a Product Specialist and Purchasing Lead for NPD

Key Accountabilities:Sourcing and NPDWork with stakeholders during the NPD process to effectively influence design decisions, encourage design for manufacturing, and avoid single source selection. Conduct research activity for suppliers of new products, report onwhole life costs and submit recommendations. Focus on consolidation of suppliers to maximise leverage, reduce unit price and processing costs. Ensure that materials and parts are ordered and delivered on time to support prototypebuilds and the initial production ramp up.Purchasing in Support of ManufacturingEnsure that parts are delivered on time to allow production plans to be met. Work with the QA department to address any part quality issues, and implement sustainable solutions. Reduce Cost of Quality for parts delivered. Reviewdemand patterns and update ERP purchasing parameters accordingly to strike the optimum balance between part availability and potential over-stocking. Ensure that order confirmations are maintained and any due date alterations are reflected in the ERP system,overdue purchase orders should be followed up and expedited. Communicate effectively with the planning team so that any part or material availability issues are resolved or reflected in the production schedules.Supplier RelationshipsIdentify new suppliers, agree optimal terms and negotiate supply agreements where appropriate. Maintain a system of vendor assessment based upon suitable metrics (cost, quality, delivery etc.). Visit vendors as necessary basedupon value/volume of spend activity, performance and risk in accordance with the Supplier Appraisal System. Ensure vendors are compliant with relevant standards and legislation such as CE/UKCA, RoHS, REACH and ConflictMaterials etc. and retain appropriate documentary evidence. Ensure purchasingpractices reflect and comply with the Companys environmental (ISO14000) andCSR policies. Review options for supplier consolidation and consignment stock /vendor managed inventory (VMI). Move from local to global sourcing whereappropriate to deliver best value. Review options for moving from POs withscheduled call off dates to supply agreements with quantity and date flexibility toaddress demand volatility whilst ensuring that any agreements reflect the productlife-cycle and dovetail with any product replacement plans from sales andmarketing.Systems and ProcessesIdentify and detail system improvements or developments of the purchasing function to the Purchasing Manager. Review opportunities for reducing admin load and automating tasks in the ERP system. Identify and document requirements for reports to assist thepurchasing function achieve targets and improve effectiveness. Measure, monitor and manage appropriate KPIs to ensure that purchasing targets and strategic goals are delivered.Purchase Prices Analyse commodity group spend to target potential benefits including cost reduction. Undertake regular cost benchmarking reviews on key parts / commodity groups. Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation to achieve increased throughput and pricereduction. Renegotiate prices based upon growth related volume increases. Review and optimise economic order quantities (EOQ). Monitor market trends, to identify influences on commodities purchased and take action to mitigate impact to the business. Captureall savings in the PPV log and ensure that Epicor is set up correctly so that PPV benefits are achieved. Review make v buy decisions to optimise overall profitabilityProfileThe successful candidate for the Senior Buyer role will have the following key skills & qualities:

• CIPS qualified or working towards.
• Experience in a Senior Buyer or similar role.
• Fully conversant with current procurement techniques.
• Demonstrable results in delivering cashable and non-cashable savings.
• Experience in a manufacturing organisation (previously purchased electronics is sought after)
• Comprehensive use of ERP/MRP systems.
• Advanced negotiation skills.
• Good oral and written communications.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent analytical skills and problem solving techniques.

Job Offer

• £45,000 - £48,000
• Monday - Thursday 8am-4.30pm (Friday 12pm finish)
• Hybrid working - 3 days office 2 days home