Buyer
Meet Our Author
About the Role
Our client is a globally recognised leader in their field, supplying OEM automotive manufacturers with critical components.
Based in Shipley, West Yorkshire, and part of a wider multi-billion dollar global group, they combine the resources and scale of a world-class organisation with the agility and community feel of a specialist UK manufacturer - a business that takes its supply chain seriously and invests in the people who manage it.
The Role
Reporting to the Purchasing Assistant Manager, this is a commercially focused buying role responsible for supporting the delivery of the company's overall purchasing strategy, whilst achieving specific KPIs and cost-down targets. You will manage supplier relationships at a senior level, lead negotiations, and work closely with supply chain, manufacturing, and engineering teams to develop the external capability needed to support new products and strategic sourcing opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships; conduct negotiations on pricing, contracts, and quotations in line with company policies.
- Lead supplier meetings to monitor service, cost, delivery, and quality performance.
- Negotiate improved terms with existing key suppliers whilst researching, developing, and evaluating new suppliers on a global scale.
- Work closely with supply chain, manufacturing, and engineering teams to identify and develop external capability supporting strategic outsourcing and new product development.
- Project manage purchasing activities relating to new product development and engineering changes.
- Execute a global supply chain strategy for assigned commodities, constantly seeking the most cost-effective sourcing routes.
- Monitor and report on supplier performance, liaising with quality assurance on supplier status and producing monthly management reporting.
- Manage supplier performance improvement activities.
Skills & Experience Required
- 3-5+ years' purchasing experience, ideally from a manufacturing background with a proven track record in buying production materials or direct commodities.
- Strong negotiation and contract skills; knowledge of "should cost" techniques advantageous.
- Confident relationship builder, comfortable engaging at Managing Director level within the supply base.
- Well-developed communication, influencing, and commercial acumen.
- Experience in project management and supplier management.
- A self-starter with a tenacious attitude to delivering change and driving cost reduction.
- Degree or HND calibre; CIPS qualified or working towards preferred.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: £38,000
- Hours: Mon–Thurs 08:30–17:00 | Fri 08:30–13:30
- Holiday: 25 days + statutory bank holidays
- Pension: Stakeholder scheme – up to 10% employer contribution
- Life Assurance: 4x salary
- Health Insurance: Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) cover (after qualifying period)
- Canteen: Subsidised on-site canteen
- Gym: Discounted gym membership
- Retail Discounts: Discounts across 100s of UK retailers
- Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme – mental, physical & financial support
How to Apply
To apply or find out more, please contact Joe Griffin at Cubed Talent on 01274 599354. Submit your CV or call Joe directly for a confidential conversation about this opportunity.