Lead Buyer in Whetstone, Leicestershire

Job title: Lead Buyer

Location: Whetstone, Leicestershire
Salary: £50K - £55k per annum (DOE)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm (37.5 hours per week)

Job Type: Permanent

Job Summary

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially focused Lead Buyer to take ownership of the day-to-day buying function and play a key role within our Supply Chain team.

This is an ideal opportunity for a Senior Buyer or experienced Buyer who is ready to take the next step in their career. We are looking for someone with the leadership capability, initiative and ambition to develop into the role.

You will manage supplier relationships, purchasing performance, negotiations, delivery schedules and supply risks, while working closely with Planning, Engineering, Production, Quality and Finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the day-to-day buying function.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance and escalations.
• Place and expedite POs and negotiate delivery schedules.
• Monitor OTD, lead times, spend and purchasing KPIs.
• Support RFQs, supplier selection and cost-saving initiatives.
• Identify and manage supply risks and supplier performance issues.
• Lead purchasing issues through to resolution.
• Support and provide direction to Buyers.
• Improve purchasing processes, supplier performance and commercial effectiveness.
• Contribute to longer-term sourcing and supply chain strategies.

Experience and Attributes

• Ideally 10+ years’ experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing or buying, ideally at Senior Buyer or Lead Buyer level.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Commercially aware with a track record of improving cost, delivery and performance.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence across the business.
• High level of ownership, accountability and initiative.
• A proactive, hands-on and solutions-focused approach.
• An understanding of contracts, Terms & Conditions and compliance.