Buyer

Buyer

1. JOB DESCRIPTION PURPOSE

Reporting to Head of Procurement the Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing all of the raw and semi-finished materials, ingredients, packaging and indirect services needed for successful production at the best price available and within agreed quality specifications.

They provide buying expertise and support to all production areas by continues search for newer and better-quality materials to keep the company ahead of competition.

The Buyer will assist in developing and overseeing all of the buying procedures. Will help to develop, provide and analyse data from various sources to facilitate the business decision process. Will also ensure that everything required for production is available on time and that the correct amount of materials is purchased to maximise cost and reduce waste.  

The position requires the post holder to have comprehensive knowledge of, and experience in purchasing as well as good inter-personal and communication skills.

The post-holder is expected to contribute towards the development and achievement of the company’s strategic and operational targets and overall business aims. The Buyer will Interface with Sales, Quality, Research & Development, Engineering, and IT to optimise the supply chain and delight both internal and external customers.

Specific Responsibilities and KPI’s expectations will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Developing and maintaining robust relationships with assigned UK and global suppliers and customers that consistently achieves the business’ target for quality, cost and performance and supports the needs of the business
• Maintaining the approved supplier database and investigate alternative suppliers
• Ensuring all materials are examined, selected, ordered and purchased on time, to specification, and at the best price available
• Negotiating prices, discount terms and transportation / delivery with suppliers and developing long term contractual relationships
• Reviewing acquisition costs to ensure items purchased are at the lowest cost consistent with considerations of quality, reliability of source, and urgency of need.
• Following the purchase order management procedure ensuring accurate system data and an effective purchase-to-pay process
• Coordinating the authorisation of payment of invoices or return of purchased products
  • Analysing and monitoring sales records, trends and economic conditions to determine what the company will sell and how much inventory is needed.
• Liaising with planning, sales and production staff for forecasting purposes
  • Driving optimisation using a right Supplier, right specification, right quantity approach
• Coordinating deliveries and maintaining suitable stock levels to make sure production proceeds smoothly
• Ensuring technical product support is available as required from suppliers
• Making sure stock is rotated effectively and waste minimised
• Shortage reporting and resolution by identifying new and alternative sources of supply for products
• Monitoring the market for new materials
• Budgeting and forecasting accurately

As a Buyer, you will also be expected to:

• work in a pro-active and strategic manner to ensure that the business enjoys an uninterrupted supply of materials for production and opportunities which could be used to drive sales growth
• be involved in buying – selling function and have appreciation of supply chains, forward supply and sales
• work closely with technical department to ensure food safety and BRC compliance
• continually research the market for new materials, supplies and possible sales
• ensure no sudden shortage of any ingredient or raw material arises
• be a collaborative sort of person who can forge strong relationships with colleagues in the company, suppliers and also customers
• be completely familiar with all aspects of the company’s products and methods of production and be able to work at times under extreme pressure
• be a highly organised person and someone who can be trusted to work using their own initiative to negotiate and communicate effectively.  
• understand the global and local factors that will affect the organisation’s procurement and sale activity
• maintain a flexible approach to the role and provide suitable cover as and when required for other remits
• any other associated tasks as required.