Junior Buyer in Plymouth, Devon

Job Purpose: 
As a Junior Buyer, you will support the Procurement team in sourcing materials and services, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring components and products are available to meet production and business requirements. Working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, you will develop your procurement knowledge while gaining valuable experience within a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Raise, manage and expedite purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of materials and services
• Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, lead times, pricing and delivery schedules 
• Support supplier performance monitoring through the collection and reporting of key performance data
• Assist in the management of stock availability and procurement planning activities
• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve delivery issues, shortages and quality concerns 
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information and procurement documentation
• Support cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain 
• Develop an understanding of technical drawings, specifications and engineering requirements to support purchasing activities  
• Build effective working relationships with suppliers and internal departments including Production, Planning, Engineering and Stores
• Support sourcing activities, supplier evaluations and quotation exercises 

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities  
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy 
• Confident using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
• Ability to build effective working relationships with suppliers and external stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach 
• An interest in procurement, supply chain and manufacturing environments.

Desirable

• Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, administrative or supply chain role 
• Understanding of purchasing, supply chain or manufacturing processes

Qualifications 
 
 Essential 

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths 

Desirable

• A Levels, BTEC, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification 

Relevant procurement, business or supply chain qualification