Technical Buyer - Walsall

Technical Buyer

c£35,000 basic + excellent benefits

Our client, a long established & leading manufacturer & distributor of components to a multitude of industrial/manufacturing sectors is seeking a Technical Buyer based at their head-office North of Birmingham.

General Purpose

Purchase goods, materials and services to ensure that the company operational needs are met, taking into account price, quality and delivery and to ensure continuity of supply.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

• Manage the buying process for a given set of goods in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets
• Provide technical / commercial assistance to Buyers to develop awareness of manufacturing processes and improve product knowledge
• Apply sourcing policy, interface between supplier and company with respect to specifications and budgets.
• Develop and maintain a strong foundation of function skills and knowledge of relevant purchasing and sourcing concepts.
• Manage problems and schedule changes and ensure changes are reflected within the ERP systems
• Balance both tactical executions with strategic initiatives necessary to drive cost reduction projects.
• Actively participate in supplier performance reviews.
• Ensure continuous supply of required goods and materials and communicate any supply problems which may pose a risk or impact on business operations
• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers
• Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible
• Deliver briefs, updates and reports as and when required
• Develop creative and innovative procurement processes
• Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement
• Negotiate contracts, improved prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings utilising negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods
• Assess and evaluate suppliers and undertake performance reviews to ensure contract compliance and manage performance improvement activities
• Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships
• Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures during supplier negotiations and contracts award process.
• Explore alternate sources for goods and materials
• Assess tenders and quotations from potential suppliers

• Prepare purchase orders in line with final negotiations with selected suppliers and in line with organisational targets and requirements
• Undertake research on and evaluate existing and new suppliers
• Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery or invoice issues  

Skills and Attributes

• Highly skilled at building & maintaining effective & productive relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers
• Strong negotiation, communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Analytical, numerically astute with strong proven problem identification and solution abilities
• Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
• Commercially and financially aware
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to influence others and lead small teams
• Ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously
• Strong mastery of a body of theoretical knowledge
• A developed and strong foundation of function skills and knowledge of relevant purchasing and sourcing concepts

Qualifications and Experience Levels

• Relevant business/commercial or manufacturing/engineering degree is preferred, HNC, City & Guilds, BTec Higher Professional Diploma, or equivalent NVQ Level 4 qualifications.
• Membership of Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
• Proven purchasing experience, preferably within a distribution or manufacturing environment
• Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements
• Contract management and supplier experience
• Project management experience
• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes and components and supply chain management
• Computer literate, to include advanced Excel skills

On offer is a very competitive salary & benefits package.

To apply for this Sourcing Manager role please send your CV via this job-portal