Category Buyer

** This is an exciting time to join our clients friendly and successful team, based in Barnstaple.**

**Pay -** £25,000 to £30,000 based on experience.
**Location -** Barnstaple
**Hours - **Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm with 30 minutes lunch break.

**Category Buyer role overview**:
This position will be responsible for the procurement of a set range of products and the developments to ensure we meet the required levels of quality, pricing and deliveries required to service our business and customer needs.

The role will involve negotiating pricing and terms with suppliers, ensuring delivery times are met and assessing and monitoring supplier performances. You will be part of a team responsible for arranging samples and new stock developments and managing the administration required to complete these tasks in accordance with the business requirements.

**Your main responsibilities as a Category Buyer**:

- Monitoring stock levels and future demands on our MRP system whilst raising and expediting orders to fulfil these requirements to the agreed levels set within the business.
- Building good relationships with our vendor database, maintaining day to day contact with your supplier through Outlook, Teams, WeChat, and Skype.
- To ensure cost savings are made where possible, with initiative given to look at streamlining existing processes and supplier working relationships.
- To ensure orders placed remain on time to the agreed confirmation dates set within the system and are expedited to ensure required stock levels are maintained.
- To help source new potential supply routes and ensure that competitive market rates for garments and components are constantly checked and updated.
- To manage new sample developments within your category range whilst working with the Sales and Development team to bring these into the business.
- To work closely with our Quality Department to ensure high levels of consistent quality are maintained within your product range.
- To liaise with the Accounts department to ensure correct invoicing and credits are maintained.
- To analyse available data to help assist with decision making on planning and purchasing requirements. Manage set projects through to completion.
- To manage production schedules and co-ordinate with the Freight department to ensure on-time shipments of products.
- To manage accurately the administration required within your category.
- Assessing and monitoring supplier performance in service, quality, pricing, and deliveries.
- Looking at ways to constantly improve and update our environmental and ethical standards within our supply chain.

**Qualifications and skills needed for the Category Buyer role**:

- **Experience working as a buyer or category buyer.**:

- **Previous experience working with MRP / ERP type ordering systems.**:

- A-Level / Degree level qualification in a business-related topic is preferable.
- Purchasing experience with manufacturers within Asia.
- Previous experience of garment manufacturing is an advantage but not essential.
- Strong communication skills internally and externally are essential.
- Excellent organisational and administration practices.
- Good /advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook is required.
- The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities and projects whilst maintaining high levels of accuracy

**Additional benefits of joining our client**:

- 24 days' holiday plus bank and public holidays
- Contributory pension scheme
- Company Christmas closure
- On-site parking
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Bonus scheme based on individual/company performance.

CPBarnstaple

The Recruitment Co. is an equal opportunities employer and we're committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.