Buyer/Procurement Specialist

Buyer / Procurement Specialist – Genuine Opportunity for Progression! Blackburn | £50,000 per annum + Excellent Benefits | Permanent | Fully Office Based
Are you an experienced Buyer or Procurement Specialist with a strong commercial mindset?
We are working exclusively with an established and growing award-winning manufacturing business based in Blackburn, who are looking to appoint a Buyer / Procurement Specialist to join their expanding Supply Chain team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong commercial purchasing and supplier negotiation experience to take ownership of purchasing activity and make a genuine impact on the business.
Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, you will be responsible for securing the right products and materials at the right price, while identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve supplier terms and deliver commercial value.
Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, this is a hands-on role with no direct reports, offering genuine opportunity to develop and progress as the procurement function grows.
Systems and IT-savvy candidates will excel in this role.
The Role Commercial Purchasing & Procurement

Managing purchasing activity across assigned product and material categories
Negotiating pricing, payment terms, lead times and service levels
Obtaining and analysing quotations, RFQs and tenders
Identifying cost-saving and alternative sourcing opportunities
Challenging supplier pricing and identifying opportunities to improve value
Managing purchase orders from placement through to delivery
Ensuring purchasing decisions balance cost, quality, availability and service
Supplier Management

Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships
Negotiating with suppliers to achieve improved commercial terms
Monitoring supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery
Supporting supplier reviews and performance improvement initiatives
Resolving supplier, pricing and delivery issues
Developing long-term supplier partnerships
Commercial & Process Improvement

Reviewing supplier spend and identifying cost reduction opportunities
Supporting procurement reporting and KPI tracking
Using ERP systems and Excel to analyse purchasing data
Identifying opportunities to improve purchasing processes
Working closely with planning, production and operations to ensure requirements are met
About You We are looking for a commercially driven purchasing professional who can demonstrate the ability to deliver tangible value through effective procurement.
You will ideally have:

Previous experience within buying, purchasing or procurement
Manufacturing experience would be advantageous
Proven supplier negotiation experience
Experience negotiating pricing, terms and service levels
A track record of identifying cost-saving opportunities
Experience with RFQs, quotations or supplier selection
Strong understanding of purchase order management
Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills
Experience using ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
Strong communication and organisational skills
The confidence to challenge suppliers and negotiate effectively
A CIPS qualification or working towards one would be advantageous, although practical purchasing experience and commercial ability are equally valued. There is potential for the company to support CIPS qualification in the future.
What's In It For You?

£50,000 per annum
25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays
Genuine opportunity for progression
CIPS qualification support
Cycle to work scheme
Employee product discount
Birthday day off
Company pension scheme
Supportive working environment
Free on-site parking
Why Apply? This is a great opportunity for a Buyer or Procurement Specialist who wants to have a genuine commercial impact.
You will have the opportunity to influence supplier pricing, negotiate improved terms, identify cost savings and improve purchasing processes within a successful and growing manufacturing business.
This is not currently a management role, with no direct reports, so the focus is firmly on your commercial purchasing expertise and ability to deliver results.
Role Details Location: Blackburn – Fully Office Based
Salary: 50,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm
Core Hours: 9:30am – 4:00pm with flexibility around start and finish times
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Supply Chain Manager
Direct Reports: None
Parking: Free on-site
To Apply Please send your current CV, salary expectations and notice period to (url removed) or call me on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion