Senior Buyer - CIPS Level 4

Primary Purpose:

This role is key within the procurement team, acting as the deputy to the Procurement Manager. It steers the management and team members toward informed strategic and operational decision-making by providing accurate information and sound commercial judgment.

As a senior buyer, you will oversee procurement from our strategic suppliers, focusing on optimising costs, lead times, quality, and service. You will add value through strategic sourcing, value engineering, innovation delivery, and risk management.

Please note, this is an office based role in Rayleigh, Essex.

Responsibilities:

1. Procurement Planning:

1.1 Forecast levels of demand for services and products.

1.2 Conduct research to source the best products and suppliers regarding best value, delivery schedules, and quality.

1.3 Forecast price trends and their impact on future activities.

1.4 Continuously gather, analyse, interpret and act upon market intelligence.

1.5 Purchasing materials in line with requirements/shortfall/MRP.

1.6 Inventory management

1.7 Responsible for the shortfall list and placing orders as required for key suppliers

1.8 Provide cover for the Procurement Manager when required

2. Procurement Management:

2.1 Assist in managing the day-to-day procurement operations, ensuring key metrics are delivered.

2.2 Negotiate and agree on contracts, monitor the quality of service provided, and ensure all relevant legal terms are agreed upon between us and the suppliers.

2.3 Maintain supplier relationships, align with our strategic goals, and ensure that suppliers deliver outstanding service and quality.

2.4 Attend supplier meetings and trade conferences in the UK and overseas.

2.5 Ownership of procurement master data within our systems. Ensuring the accuracy of this data.

3. Procurement Strategies:

3.1 Implement procurement strategies in alignment with the organisation's goals, objectives, and business plans.

3.2 Develop strategies to ensure that cost savings and supplier performance targets are met - or exceeded.

3.3 Accountable for successful supplier performance management using vendor scorecards and supporting the team dealing with key suppliers to provide performance improvements as required.

3.4 Negotiate supply agreement terms with new and existing suppliers on pricing, stockholding, lead times, and quality.

3.5 Analyse data and produce reports and statistics on spending and saving.

3.6 Optimise inventory and stock holdings based on customer demand and business goals.

3.7 Identify long-term savings opportunities through strategy creation, exploring all potential value levers.

3.8 Create compelling business cases for change in collaboration with stakeholders.

3.9 Develop and maintain long-term, positive relationships with suppliers within our industry.

4. Risk Management:

4.1 Identify and assess procurement risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

4.2 Comprehensive understanding of supply chain risks, managing key suppliers, leading vulnerability assessments, and submitting mitigation plans accordingly.

4.3 On-going supplier relationship and performance management activities, de-risk supply chain.

4.4 Keep up to date with industry trends.

4.5 Ensure the supply chain is ethical and that it meets our net carbon plans.

5. Staff Management, reward, and leadership:

5.1 Deputise for the Procurement manager.

Skills and Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of inventory and supply chain management.
• Level 4 CIPS qualified and working towards level 6.
• Experience in managing Far East suppliers.
• Proven experience as a Senior Buyer.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience of negotiating with third parties, with an understanding of contract law.
• Effective and up-to-date understanding of the external supply markets, with knowledge and awareness of emerging trends, opportunities, and risks within your category field.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £45,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus scheme

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Referral programme

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Application question(s):

• This role requires a minimum of Level 4 CIPS qualified with a willingness to work towards level 6. Study support will be offered.