Job Description

To support the Purchasing Manager in ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of materials, components and services required to support manufacturing operations. The Buyer will manage day-to-day purchasing activities, maintain supplier relationships, support inventory management and ensure the accurate operation of purchasing processes within the ERP system. The role plays a key part in ensuring continuity of supply, maintaining data accuracy and supporting cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives. The postholder will work closely with suppliers, Production, Engineering, Quality, Warehouse and Finance teams to ensure material availability supports customer demand and operational requirements.

Job Context:

• Reports to the Purchasing Manager.
• Based in Harlow with occasional travel to Crayford and supplier locations as required.
• Supports UK manufacturing operations.
• Responsible for day-to-day purchasing and supplier communication activities.
• Works extensively within the Epicor ERP system.
• Supports departmental objectives relating to supplier performance, inventory management and purchasing efficiency.
• Contributes to continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives.

Key Accountabilities:

Purchasing & Order Management

• Raise and manage purchase orders for production materials, subcontract services and non-stock requirements.
• Ensure purchase orders are placed accurately and in a timely manner in accordance with business requirements.
• Maintain the purchase order book and monitor outstanding commitments.
• Expedite supplier deliveries to ensure materials are available to support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Monitor supplier acknowledgements and update delivery dates within the ERP system.
• Support purchasing activities relating to new products, bespoke requirements and engineering changes.

Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers.
• Contact suppliers to obtain quotations, delivery information and product availability updates.
• Support supplier performance management activities through regular communication and follow-up.
• Escalate supplier performance concerns to the Purchasing Manager where appropriate.
• Assist with supplier benchmarking and market price reviews.
• Support supplier evaluation and approval processes as required.

Inventory & Materials Planning Support

• Assist with inventory management activities including reorder levels, safety stock reviews and stock accuracy investigations.
• Support the maintenance of appropriate inventory levels to balance stock availability and working capital requirements.
• Liaise with Production Planning, Warehouse and Manufacturing teams regarding material requirements and shortages.
• Support actions to minimise excess, obsolete and slow-moving inventory.

ERP & Data Integrity

• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information within Epicor ERP.
• Update and maintain purchasing pricing files, supplier data and purchasing parameters.
• Ensure purchase order information remains accurate and up to date.
• Support data integrity initiatives and process improvements.
• Produce reports and analysis as required by the Purchasing Manager.

Cost Reduction & Continuous Improvement

• Assist with supplier quotation exercises, benchmarking activities and cost reduction projects.
• Conduct price comparisons and analysis to identify savings opportunities.
• Support value engineering and procurement improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and administrative efficiency.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities across the Supply Chain function.

Financial Support

• Resolve invoice and pricing discrepancies with suppliers and the Finance team.
• Support accurate purchase price maintenance within ERP systems.
• Assist in monitoring purchasing spend against budget requirements.
• Provide purchasing analysis and reporting to support commercial decision-making.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

Essential

• Experience in a purchasing, buying, procurement or supply chain role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Good communication and supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong numeracy and analytical capability.

Desirable

• Experience using Epicor ERP.
• Experience purchasing manufacturing materials, engineered products or subcontract services.
• Understanding of inventory management principles.
• CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS.
• Experience supporting cost reduction initiatives.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness.
• Team player with a collaborative approach.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and accountability