Required Skills Minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing raw materials equipment site services and general consumables preferably within a manufacturing or engineering-related environment. Experience working with cross-functional teams and suppliers. Proven ability to demonstrate cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives. Ideally qualified to HNC Level 3 CIPS or equivalent but this isn't a necessity. Key Competencies: Well-organised with the ability to plan and prioritize workload while handling multiple tasks efficiently with limited supervision. Attention to detail. Effective communication skills. Strong influencing and negotiation skills. Ability to build and maintain effective relationships internally and externally. Knowledge of procurement principles policies processes procedures and best practices. Good analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to work under pressure. Effective team-working skills. Logical approach to tasks. Ability to maintain system data for efficient ordering processes. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint Job Summary KL Talent Solutions' client is seeking a Buyer to join their procurement team. Reporting directly to the Head of Procurement, you will be responsible for delivering an efficient and cost-effective purchasing solution for the business. Your key responsibility will be processing purchase orders and supporting the Procurement Team in sourcing both direct and indirect materials as required Job Output: Responsible for the direct and indirect strategic sourcing for manufacturing operations, production materials, operational services, projects, and designated general consumable items. Accurate forecasting and monitoring of stock levels to meet the varying demands of production. Collaborate closely with external suppliers and internal manufacturing project teams to balance internal and external customer challenges, ensuring quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness. Negotiate delivery timetables with suppliers based in the UK, Europe, and China, focusing on balancing and meeting conflicting needs and requirements. Support cross-functional business objectives and key initiatives. Ownership of cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement efforts. Assist with the implementation of a new ERP system planned for 2024. Contribute to the development of procurement processes and procedures to reduce and eliminate non-value-added activities. Key Processes: Manage day-to-day supplier issues and core activities, including price negotiation, supply continuity, quality non-conformance, and problem/dispute resolution. Conduct new supplier searches, identify capabilities and services based on business needs, manage the tender process, analyze options, and select suppliers. Monitor market conditions (e.g., price movements, availability, trends) to support strategic sourcing, price negotiations, and supply continuity. Conduct regular reviews with internal stakeholders and maintain strong working relationships. Support continuous improvement processes within the procurement team. Provide assistance to the Head of Procurement as needed. Organisational Relationships: Report directly to the Head of Procurement. Maintain close liaison with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders. Key Engagements: External: Suppliers Internal: Finance, Production, Stores, Quality, Engineering, Human Resources, IT, Marketing, Sales, Transport, Project Teams Measurement of Effectiveness: Achieving cost savings. Execution of continuous improvement projects. Analysis of key commodities markets. Building and maintaining strong internal and external working relationships. Value-Added Activities: Develop commodity knowledge and understand market dynamics. Education and Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing raw materials, equipment, site services, and general consumables, preferably within a manufacturing or engineering-related environment. Experience working with cross-functional teams and suppliers. Proven ability to demonstrate cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives. Ideally qualified to HNC, Level 3 CIPS, or equivalent but this isn't a necessity. Key Competencies: Well-organised with the ability to plan and prioritize workload while handling multiple tasks efficiently with limited supervision. Attention to detail. Effective communication skills. Strong influencing and negotiation skills. Ability to build and maintain effective relationships internally and externally. Knowledge of procurement principles, policies, processes, procedures, and best practices. Good analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to work under pressure. Effective team-working skills. Logical approach to tasks. Ability to maintain system data for efficient ordering processes. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).