Buyer – Manufacturing & Procurement

Location: Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire
Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Arrangement: On-site

About the Opportunity

Bradley David Associates is recruiting for an experienced Buyer to join an established, market-leading manufacturing and distribution business based in Burton upon Trent.

Our client is a well-respected organisation with a strong presence in both UK and international markets, supplying high-quality products across a range of commercial and industrial sectors.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused Buyer to take ownership of supplier relationships, purchasing activities and inventory management while helping to drive cost efficiencies and ensure the smooth running of the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, evaluate and select suppliers, manufacturers and wholesalers to ensure competitive pricing, quality and reliability.

• Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing, delivery schedules and purchasing agreements to achieve the best commercial outcomes.

• Manage supplier relationships, monitoring performance, quality standards and delivery commitments.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, purchase orders and supplier information using MRP systems.

• Ensure materials and products are available to meet production schedules and business requirements.

• Analyse historical purchasing data, stock levels and demand forecasts to support effective procurement planning.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation and improved purchasing efficiencies.

• Monitor stock availability, inventory levels and supplier lead times.

• Resolve supplier issues, including delivery delays, quality concerns and invoice discrepancies.

• Work closely with production, planning, logistics, warehouse and commercial teams to support operational requirements.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across purchasing and supply chain operations.

Skills & Experience Required

• Ideally 5 years' experience in purchasing, procurement or buying, including experience working independently or leading purchasing activities.

• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment is highly desirable, ideally FMCG or a similar fast-paced industry.

• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management skills.

• Experience using MRP or ERP systems, ideally JD Edwards (JDE).

• Proven ability to manage a varied supplier base and develop effective working relationships.

• Demonstrable experience achieving purchasing cost savings and improving supplier performance.

• Experience with supplier consolidation and strategic sourcing.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

• Excellent organisational, administration and time management skills.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings would be advantageous.

• CIPS qualification or equivalent would be beneficial but is not essential.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded individual who can confidently manage purchasing activities while building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation ability.

• A methodical and organised approach to work.

• Confidence working independently and managing competing priorities.

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• A proactive approach to identifying cost savings and process improvements.

• The ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary of £55,000 - £65,000, depending on experience.

• Permanent, full-time employment.

• 37.5-hour working week.

• Opportunity to join an established, market-leading organisation.

• A varied purchasing role with genuine responsibility and autonomy.

• The opportunity to influence supplier performance, purchasing strategies and cost efficiencies.

• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced Buyer, Purchasing Specialist or Procurement Professional with a background in manufacturing or supply chain operations, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV to be considered for this opportunity.

Bradley David Associates is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this permanent vacancy.