Buyer/ Expeditor

AER Stafford Ltd are looking for a skilled Buyer/ Expeditor to join our supply chain team who fosters a collaborative approach encouraging support of each other and enables a common learning and method of work.

You will manage an assigned group of suppliers and services, have direct responsibility for the maintenance and update of all procurement supply chain static data and subsequent data integrity on in the XA system for all departmental purchase accounts, suppliers and other projects assigned to you.

You will be expected to establish a culture of continuous improvement as part of a purchasing team, whose objective is to support the growth of AER Stafford's market position by the introduction of supplier work streams for Direct Line Feed (DLF), kanban and other lean manufacturing initiatives with the specified suppliers as directed by the business in order to secure the supply of parts, in a timely and cost-efficient manner that satisfies both agreed customer service and specified Inventory levels whilst working to minimise total acquisition cost to the business - to ensure ongoing production requirements are met through the development and implementation of material schedules to achieve 100% of build plan.

• Drive Supplier On Time Delivery in Full (SOTIF) to the agreed target. Utilise the escalation process to address on going / repeat concerns.
• Be supportive of the daytoday management of all supplier accounts and work with the Operations teams to resolve any urgent supply issues.
• Introduce ongoing measures of customer satisfaction by setting jointly agreed performance improvement targets internally and within the supply base.
• Establish weekly, monthly & quarterly reviews with key suppliers using standardised reporting mechanisms and procedures to drive performance improvement.
• Negotiate freight costs, Inco and payment terms to improve margin and cash flow.
• Drive down inventory levels through use of the runner / repeater / stranger principles.
• Implement stock holding and call off systems for both indirect and direct production supplies (runners) which take into account vehicle life and customer schedule coverage.
• To conduct regular business reviews with suppliers, using this process to set and monitor performance improvements and development plans for individual work streams, providing regular feedback both formally and informally. To stretch the individual suppliers capabilities in order to improve business performance.
• Operate an efficient process for the administration and sourcing of customer adhoc requirements at the best commercial terms through AER or Customer processes.
• Ensure all deadlines for the assigned group of suppliers are adhered to through the use of planning tools as well as appropriate methods of communication, timeframes and milestones for monitoring purposes.
• To produce and distribute strategic KPI Performance Measures for the Purchasing Department both internally, to the customer and to the supply base.
• Seek to develop areas requiring improvements through challenging the existing processes and suggesting ways to improve that will bring benefit to the business adopting Lean Thinking & Culture.
• Quality driven and raises standards where necessary to meet new requirements from customers, suppliers, legislation; and communicates them appropriately within Purchasing procedures.
• Adhere strictly to all sourcing / buying processes and processes as defined within the AER Standing Operating Procedures for Purchasing. Work with and promote the procedures and practices defined in the Supplier Partnership Program.
• To develop annual performance improvement plans related to your assigned suppliers or projects or for strategic / key suppliers, working in conjunction where necessary with quality, engineering or customers.
• Building open & honest longlasting relationships with key decision makers within the organisation as well as strong interworking relationships and driving process improvements at AER facility.
• To travel, as may be required from time to time, on company business where necessary and with due notice.

• Good PC skills including experience of using Excel, Word and Outlook
• Experience of Crystal Reporting & Advanced Data Analysis desirable
• Advanced knowledge of MRP Systems & Process desirable
• Minimum of 5 Years previous experience of working in a manufacturing environment is essential
• Previous experience of buying procedures and process is essential
• Experience of development and implementation of MRP material schedules
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing process and procedures desirable.
• Proven track record on improving leadtimes, delivery performance and stock turns
• Good Negotiation skills
• Good communication skills
• Able to effectively influence key stakeholders

• Takes personal responsibility for correcting customer serv