The Buyer is responsible for managing our supply chain, from identifying potential suppliers to negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of goods. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors.

Role - Buyer

Location - Reading (hybrid working)

Type - 12 Month FTC

Salary - £35,000-£45,000 (DOE) + benefits

Key responsibilities for the Buyer role and not limited to:

Research, identify, and evaluate potential suppliers based on price, quality, delivery, and reliability.
Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with new and existing suppliers.
Conduct supplier performance reviews and address any issues related to quality or delivery.
Negotiate favourable terms, prices, and contracts with suppliers to achieve optimise total cost of ownership and mitigate third party risk.
Prepare, process and maintain purchase orders accurately and efficiently.
Monitor inventory levels to ensure adequate supply while minimising excess stock.
Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., production, logistics & inventory management, planning) to forecast demand and plan purchases accordingly.
Support the resolution of discrepancies with invoices, purchase orders, and received goods.
Manage supplier delivery to purchase order commitment, expediting as required to meet the organisations requirements.
Stay informed about market trends, product innovations, and changes in supplier landscapes.
Analyse market conditions and economic indicators to make informed purchasing decisions.
Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and supply chain optimisation.
Contribute to the development and implementation of procurement strategies.

Key skills and experience required for the Buyer role and not limited to:

Proven experience as a Buyer, ideally technical manufacturing.
Working towards CIPS would be advantageous but not essential.
Good working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems.
Proven track record in developing suppliers / supplier relationship management.

To apply for this Buyer role, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK