Senior Buyer
Our client, a leading advanced engineering company with a global reach, is seeking a Senior Buyer to join their team in Eastbourne.
 
Reports to: Procurement Manager
 
Scope of Role
 
To provide support to the Procurement Manager by:

• Providing leadership and direction to the team, promoting a collaborative working culture.
• Co-ordinating daily tasks/priorities for the Procurement team.
• Encouraging the Procurement team to strive for best practice and providing training for the team as and when required.
• Maintaining Procurement focus on goals & objectives.
• Ensuring that supporting data and metrics are produced and kept up to date. - Assist in monitoring supplier performance and regular meetings with main suppliers.
• Supporting the team to ensure best value is received when making purchase decisions.
• Suggesting and producing new Procurement processes to support efficiency.
• Deputising for Supply Chain function when manager is unavailable.

To manage the procurement and supply of a range of inventory components/miscellaneous requirements whilst complying with the following: -

• Achieving overall best value for money for the quality and quantity required.
• Ensuring that inventory is minimised and cashflow is maximised.
• Ensuring that all documentation and authorisation procedures are adhered to.
• Maintaining the best possible internal & external relationships whilst ensuring our client’s best interests are met.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Ensure the effective functioning of the Supply Chain process in the absence or, or as required by the Procurement Manager.
• Ensure all necessary information is communicated to internal/external customers.
• Source appropriate suppliers, negotiate contracts, place, and progress purchase orders to ensure successful and timely completion of the procurement process. Organise overseas freight where necessary.
• Issue requests for quotes (RFQ) and select best source consistent with cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Liaise with internal project teams and suppliers to achieve target pricing.
• Reviewing internal & external specifications to ensure purchases meet all customer requirements and implementing revisions where appropriate.
• Attending internal Contract Review meetings to agree and produce project timelines.
• Communicating regularly with internal stakeholders, being the purchasing point of contact to provide updates on supply chain performance and risks relating to specific projects.
• Leading regular internal & external meetings with colleagues & suppliers.
• Communicating supply chain risks to the Procurement Manager.
• Researching outsourcing opportunities and producing justifications to support changes to supply.
• Sourcing potential new suppliers/products and submitting recommendations.
• Efficient management of non-conformances and working with suppliers to produce successful corrective actions where appropriate.
• Analyse and reconcile invoice queries.
• Produce and publish supply chain metrics as required.
• Maintain MRP system accuracy, including lead-time, stock / non-stock decisions.
• Maintaining supply chain databases for close management of approved vendors.
• Support in more strategic efforts such as Supplier Management Reviews and Risk Mitigation Plans Participate in the company-wide quality improvement program, along with cost-reduction activities.

Health and Safety
Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states that it is the duty of every employee which at work:
To take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work; and
As regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by, or under, any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.
 
Skills and Abilities

• Previous relevant experience in a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills at all levels are essential.
• The ability to lead group discussions, make decisions within guidelines and take responsibility is vital.
• Strong organisational and time management skills is required.
• The ability to meet agreed time frames whilst working under pressure is important.
• Engineering competence in relation to pumps and components is valuable.
• Experience and competence in procuring motors and instrumentation is advantageous.
• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) accreditation or equivalent at any level is advantageous.
• Knowledge of J.D.Edwards One World XE would be beneficial.
• Requirement to travel to suppliers (domestic and some international) 5% of time
• Must be an excellent team player.
• Drive and enthusiasm are vital.
• Awareness of Lean/Six Sigma desirable.