Supply Chain Co-ordinator / Buyer

Supply Chain Coordinator / Buyer (Manufacturing)

Location: Trafford Park, Manchester
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 (DOE)
Hours: 44 hours per week, Monday to Friday

The Role

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Supply Chain Coordinator / Buyer to join a well-established manufacturing business. This role is critical in ensuring materials are available to support production, managing supplier performance, and maintaining smooth supply chain operations within a fast-paced environment.

You will take ownership of the full purchasing cycle, working closely with production, engineering, and suppliers to ensure materials are delivered on time and to specification.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing and Material Planning

• Creating and managing purchase orders for raw materials, components, and subcontracted parts
• Confirming pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules with suppliers
• Interpreting production schedules to plan material requirements
• Maintaining accurate MRP/ERP data including lead times, safety stock, and supplier details
• Managing shortages and expediting critical parts to avoid production delays

Supplier Management

• Acting as the main point of contact for suppliers
• Monitoring supplier performance (OTIF, quality, responsiveness)
• Resolving delivery, quality, and capacity issues
• Conducting supplier reviews and driving improvements
• Identifying supply risks and implementing mitigation plans

Production and Manufacturing Support

• Attending production meetings to provide updates on material availability
• Working closely with production planners and engineers on changes and updates
• Supporting new product introductions by ensuring materials are sourced and delivered on time

Logistics and Delivery Coordination

• Tracking inbound shipments and liaising with freight forwarders
• Ensuring all documentation is accurate and compliant
• Resolving discrepancies between delivery notes and purchase orders
• Coordinating with goods-in and quality teams

Cost Control and Compliance

• Supporting cost reduction initiatives through negotiation and sourcing
• Maintaining up-to-date pricing and supplier agreements
• Ensuring compliance with internal procedures and external standards

Skills and Experience Required

• Previous experience in a Buyer, Purchasing, or Supply Chain role within manufacturing
• Strong supplier management and order expediting experience
• Good understanding of production planning and manufacturing processes
• Experience using MRP/ERP systems (e.g. SAP, IFS, Epicor, Dynamics)
• Strong Excel skills (including VLOOKUP and pivot tables)
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Confident communicator with the ability to challenge and influence suppliers

Desirable

• CIPS qualification (or working towards)
• Experience within automotive, engineering, aerospace, or similar sectors
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
• Ability to read or understand technical drawings

Summary

This role would suit a proactive and organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can effectively manage supplier relationships while ensuring production runs smoothly.

Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an employment agency. Forward Assist Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.