Job Description:
Job Title: Buyer (Manufacturing)
Location: Boundary Park, Zone 1, Deeside (CH5 2LR)
Travel: Travel between North Wales manufacturing sites as required
Salary: Competitive (negotiable based on experience)
Working Pattern: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Work Location: Office based with site travel
About Us:
Since 1958, Ifor Williams Trailers has grown to become Britain’s leading trailer manufacturer. Operating across five advanced manufacturing sites in North Wales, we have produced over half a million trailers and continue to supply a diverse customer base spanning agriculture, plant, commercial and leisure sectors.
Our philosophy is to design and manufacture trailers of the highest quality, combining modern engineering technology with strength, durability, ease of maintenance and value for money.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Buyer to join our growing Purchasing team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This role offers the opportunity to operate at both an operational and strategic level, managing the sourcing of direct and indirect materials and services critical to business performance. You will play a key role in ensuring on-time, in-full delivery (OTIF), maintaining quality standards, and securing cost-effective supply solutions aligned with business objectives.
Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Planning teams, you will help drive procurement excellence across multiple sites, supporting both day-to-day operations and longer-term strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and procure a wide range of materials and services to support manufacturing operations
- Develop and implement sourcing and procurement strategies aligned with business goals
- Engage directly with suppliers to negotiate commercial agreements to deliver cost savings and value
- Manage supplier relationships, performance, and contractual compliance
- Monitor supplier performance against cost, quality, and delivery KPIs
- Ensure continuity of supply to meet production requirements and avoid disruption
- Manage inventory levels in line with operational needs
- Work cross-functionally to understand and deliver technical purchasing requirements
- Identify and resolve supply chain or commercial issues quickly and effectively
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function
- Maintain accurate procurement records, purchase orders, and supplier agreements
About You
The successful candidate will be a proactive and hands-on procurement professional with experience in a manufacturing environment, capable of balancing operational delivery with strategic thinking. We would also expect a successful candidate to be capable of direct engagement with suppliers, and to be able to manage the relationship to ensure consistently strong delivery and performance.
Essential skills and experience:
- Proven experience in procurement / purchasing within a manufacturing setting
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Demonstrable experience in Capital Expenditure (CapEx) purchasing, including capital equipment and project-based procurement
- Commercially astute with a focus on cost control and value delivery
- Ability to simultaneously manage multiple suppliers, projects, and priorities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Confident communicator with the ability to work cross-functionally
- Experience managing both direct and indirect procurement
- Ability to work independently and respond quickly to operational challenges
Desirable skills and experience:
- Experience developing and implementing procurement strategies
- Knowledge of KPI development and performance monitoring
- CIPS qualification (or working towards)
- Experience working across multiple sites or complex supply chains
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience.
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Company pension scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Opportunity to contribute to and shape procurement strategy
- Stable, long-term career within a growing manufacturing business
Apply Now
If you are looking for a role where you can make a real impact across both operational and strategic procurement, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV and a brief summary of your experience.