Raw Materials Buyer

At Howdens, we're passionate about delivering high-quality products, exceptional availability and outstanding value to our trade customers. We're looking for a commercially minded Buyer to join our Raw Materials Purchasing team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, based full time at our Head Office in Howden.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in sourcing the raw materials that support our manufacturing operations, new product development programmes and long-term growth plans. Working closely with suppliers and stakeholders across the business, you'll ensure we have the right materials, at the right quality, cost and time, while balancing commercial objectives with quality, availability and ESG considerations to support both current and future business requirements.

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you'll take ownership of a purchasing portfolio, lead sourcing and supplier improvement initiatives, and support the successful delivery of new product introductions. This is a varied and influential role that offers the opportunity to work across multiple business functions while making a direct impact on cost, supply chain resilience and business performance.

What will I be doing within this role?

Managing relationships with suppliers across your product categories.
Sourcing raw materials to support manufacturing and new product launches.
Leading projects to introduce new products and identify new supply opportunities.
Running supplier tenders and benchmarking exercises to ensure competitive pricing.
Negotiating costs, contracts and commercial terms with suppliers.
Monitoring supplier performance to ensure quality, availability and service standards are met.
Working closely with internal teams including Product Development, Manufacturing and Supply Chain.

What do I need to be successful in this role?

Previous success in a Buyer, Purchasing or Procurement role.
Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
Experience leading sourcing, tendering or cost-reduction activities.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience working across multiple departments to deliver projects.
A proactive approach with the ability to identify improvements and efficiencies.

What we can offer you:

12-month fixed term contract
Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme
Award winning pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
Life assurance
Staff discount
Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is a highly successful FTSE 100 business, with more than 900 depots nationwide and more than 11,000 staff. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we continue to experience significant growth and success. Despite our scale, Howdens remains a local business with traditional values.
There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens - and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We're working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.

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