Are you an experienced Operational Buyer, Buyer or Procurement Specialist looking for a fast-paced role within a global manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy managing supplier relationships, expediting deliveries, resolving supply issues and ensuring critical materials are available to support production?
Welcome to ZEISS.
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology company operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries. ZEISS is shaping technological progress and through its solutions is extending the horizon of the world of optics and associated areas.
ZEISS consists of four segments: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Global Supply Chain Management Electron Microscopy team, supporting manufacturing operations through effective supplier management, material planning and procurement activities across an international supply chain.
What you'll be doing
Working within the Supply Chain Management Electron Microscopy Organisation at ZEISS, you will act as the key interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring materials are delivered on time to support manufacturing operations in both Cambourne and Oberkochen.
You'll take ownership of a supplier base of 70+ suppliers, proactively managing orders, expediting deliveries, resolving shortages and ensuring continuity of supply in a fast-paced production environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage the end-to-end order lifecycle from placement through to delivery
Expedite supplier orders and proactively manage delivery performance
Monitor supplier commitments, identify risks and implement mitigation actions
Manage and resolve material shortages to minimise impact on production
Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers
Conduct supplier performance reviews and monitor key performance metrics
Maintain accurate supplier and material master data within SAP
Support forecasting and demand planning activities
Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies and payment-related queries
Monitor pricing changes and supplier performance trends
Create and maintain procurement dashboards and reporting tools
Collaborate closely with Production Planning, Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams
Identify opportunities to improve and automate procurement processes
Participate in continuous improvement and value stream mapping activities
Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and regulatory requirements
Work closely with international suppliers to ensure material availability and on-time deliveryWhat We're Looking For
Experience as an Operational Buyer, Buyer or Procurement Specialist, ideally with 3+ years' experience
Experience managing the full order lifecycle from placement through to delivery
Strong supplier management and relationship-building skills
Proven experience expediting orders and managing supplier performance
Experience resolving material shortages and supply chain issues
SAP experience, ideally as a confident day-to-day user
Experience working within a manufacturing or engineering environment
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and work effectively within a fast-paced environment
Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
Ability to analyse and manage large volumes of data
Confidence escalating issues and driving resolutions when required
Experience working with international suppliers would be advantageous
Exposure to demand planning, continuous improvement or procurement process optimisation would be beneficialWe want you!
With motivation and passion, you'll fit right in at ZEISS!
We're looking for someone who is proactive, organised and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Someone who takes ownership, communicates confidently with suppliers and stakeholders, and isn't afraid to challenge, escalate and drive actions when required.
In return, you'll join a globally recognised technology leader, benefit from flexible working hours, a hybrid working model, and enjoy clear progression opportunities into Project Buyer and Lead Buyer positions as your career develops.
If you want to make a real impact within an international manufacturing supply chain and build your career with ZEISS, we'd love to hear from you.
If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website
Salary description
£40000.00 - £43000.00 per year