Buyer

We are looking for a proactive, organised and commercially minded Buyer to join our Procurement team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established manufacturing business, playing a key role in supporting production through effective supplier management and procurement activities.

Working closely with the Senior Buyer and cross-functional teams, you will be responsible for ensuring materials and components are sourced efficiently, delivered on time and meet the required quality and cost objectives. This role offers exposure to new product introduction (NPI), supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Raising, issuing and managing purchase orders to ensure the timely supply of materials and components.
• Monitoring supplier performance to ensure delivery, quality and cost targets are consistently achieved.
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with both new and existing suppliers.
• Working closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality and Engineering teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
• Attending procurement, planning and cross-functional meetings at the Crawley manufacturing facility.
• Supporting the Senior Buyer with supplier negotiations, sourcing activities and contract discussions.
• Identifying opportunities to reduce purchasing costs and improve overall supply chain performance.
• Conducting supplier benchmarking and market research to ensure a competitive and resilient supply base.
• Managing supplier invoice queries and resolving purchasing discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Processing demand requests and ensuring purchasing activities align with production schedules.
• Maintaining accurate procurement records and ensuring documentation complies with ISO quality management standards.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes.
• Applying Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles when evaluating suppliers and sourcing decisions.
• Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement activities support operational and business objectives.

Required Experience:

• A minimum of three years' purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Previous experience managing supplier relationships and placing purchase orders for manufactured components.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or delivery.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• A proactive approach with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Good attention to detail and strong administrative accuracy.
• Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) or a similar ERP/MRP system.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
• Knowledge of supplier performance management and KPI reporting.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement principles.
• CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS would be advantageous.

Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.