Category Buyer

Acorn by Synergie is actively seeking a proactive and organised Buyer to join a market leading workwear brand at their site in Barnstaple.

**Scope of the role**
The Category Buyer will support and work directly with the Purchasing Manager and the Purchasing team to ensure the smooth daily running of a busy office, whilst supporting our sales team to meet the needs of our customers.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Monitoring stock levels and future demands on our MRP system whilst raising and expediting orders to fulfil these requirements to set levels.
- Building good relationships with our vendors, 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 Experience**
- A-Level / Degree level qualification in a business-related topic preferable.
- Experience working as a buyer or category buyer.
- Good /advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook is required.
- Previous experience working with MRP / ERP type ordering systems
- Strong communication skills internally and externally are essential.
- The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities and projects whilst maintaining high levels of accuracy.
- Excellent organisational and administration practices.
- Purchasing experience with manufacturers within Asia.
- Previous experience of garment manufacturing an advantage but not essential.

**Benefits**
- 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.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.