Assistant Buyer

Assistant Buyer

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

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES**:
Technical
- To carry out the effective procurement of materials and services in-line with the business needs
- Monitor relevant Engineering releases, SAGE requisitions and follow up with manufacturing
- Ensure that all items for procurement are within the relevant budget and comply with all appropriate strategies, and to raise any anomalies with relevant colleagues
- Monitor and appropriately report cost and delivery performance against the relevant budgets and timing plans
- Use SAGE to identify expedite needs, and investigate any invoice, cost or quality queries
- Consistently identify the VFM value for money source for items, within the vendor base.
- Carry out any ad-hoc tasks as required by the Purchasing Manager
- Monitor and managing supplier performance in accordance with agreed KPI’s
- Ensure that suppliers are working within the business code of ethics and to the company’s terms and conditions

Time Management
- Prioritise, multi-task and meet deadlines

Communication
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal customers and provide a high level of customer service, including recommending solutions and alternative supply options

Team Working
- Work closely with Project Managers to understand project demand
- Provide back-up support for Procurement across Group as required

Cross Functional Working
- Continually build relationships with internal stakeholders to achieve the successful completion of projects
- Attend and contribute to production meetings across Group to obtain essential timing information
- Ensure each department has the resources necessary to stay on schedule and meet deadlines.

**Requirements**:
Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Skills & Attributes
- Strong sense of urgency & attention to detail
- Analytical skillset with a methodical approach to problem solving
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
- A proven background in negotiation
- Ability to influence others & manage conflict
- Ability to self-direct and take constructive action in ambiguous situations

Experience
- Applied knowledge of buying and negotiation
- Previous Purchasing experience within a faced paced working environment
- Excellent working knowledge of Excel
- Working knowledge of Sage/SAP
- Previous experience in all or some of the following areas
- Automation
- Automotive manufacturing
- Aerospace manufacturing
- Mechanical/material handling
- Conveyor systems
- Pneumatics
- Hydraulics
- Robotics
- Control systems
- Electrical power systems

**Qualifications**:

- GCSE qualification in Maths & English (Grade C or above)
- CIPS qualified (or working towards) or a relevant degree qualification