Position: Head Buyer
Location: West Yorkshire
Salary: £45K-£50K
Nicholas Associates have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and detail-oriented Buyer to manage the end-to-end procurement of goods and services. This role is critical in ensuring engineering requirements are accurately communicated, purchase orders are effectively managed, and supplier performance supports the delivery demands of a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring all engineering specifications and requirements are clearly defined and fully authorised.
- Coordinate closely with suppliers to expedite deliveries, track progress, and provide timely updates to internal stakeholders.
- Resolve non-conformances quickly and effectively to minimise disruption to operations.
- Review and validate supplier commercial terms, including payment terms, delivery conditions, and contractual obligations, ensuring alignment with company standards.
- Lead tender processes, including supplier selection and contract creation, with clearly defined deliverables and terms.
- Develop and maintain a high-performing, strategic supplier base.
- Conduct supplier audits to ensure quality, performance, and compliance standards are met.
- Monitor supplier acknowledgements and challenge discrepancies where necessary.
- Drive value by ensuring goods and services are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
- Negotiate contracts to achieve the best commercial outcomes for the business.
- Continuously review and optimise the supplier base to maximise value and efficiency.
- Support team performance objectives and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Promote the value of procurement across the wider business to enhance collaboration and commercial impact.
- Adhere to all Health & Safety policies and company procedures.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in procurement within a fast-paced engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Experience in the automotive sector is advantageous.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings; experience sourcing mechanical or composite parts.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Positive, adaptable mindset with a willingness to support wider team objectives.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.