Our client, a manufacturing business, is seeking an experienced Junior Buyer to support its procurement, production and supply chain requirements.

The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing materials, components and services from approved suppliers, placing and monitoring orders, maintaining accurate procurement information and supporting the on-time delivery of quality products.

This role requires practical procurement experience within a manufacturing environment, strong supplier relationship-management skills and a sound understanding of technical and logistics processes.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement and Order Management

• Prepare accurate requests for quotation and issue them to approved suppliers.
• Source materials, components and services required for manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate supplier pricing and delivery commitments.
• Place purchase orders accurately and within the required timeframes.
• Ensure orders are placed at the correct price and against agreed delivery dates.
• Monitor outstanding and overdue purchase orders.
• Follow up with suppliers regarding order progress and delivery commitments.
• Support production requirements by helping to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Assist with controlling procurement costs and reducing supply chain risks.

Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with approved suppliers.
• Communicate specification, order and business-requirement changes to suppliers.
• Obtain and communicate supplier feedback to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Distribute weekly vendor schedules and obtain updated supplier commitments.
• Arrange meetings with underperforming suppliers.
• Escalate unresolved supplier-performance or delivery issues when necessary.
• Maintain regular communication with suppliers regarding current and anticipated business requirements.
• Respond to supplier and internal correspondence promptly.

Procurement Data and Administration

• Maintain accurate item-master and procurement data.
• Update supplier details, lead times, pricing and related information.
• Maintain accurate purchase-order records and supporting documentation.
• Support appropriate inventory levels while reducing shortages and unnecessary stockholding.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies, quality standards and customer requirements.
• Assist with the coordination of freight-forwarding and logistics requirements where necessary.

Minimum Requirements

• Three to five years of procurement experience within a manufacturing organisation.
• Practical experience in purchasing and supplier coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Understanding of technical concepts and terminology.
• Knowledge of material requirements planning systems.
• Knowledge of freight-forwarding processes.
• Understanding of import and export documentation, customs procedures, shipping methods and logistics coordination.
• Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office.
• Negotiation and supplier relationship-management skills.
• Project coordination or project-management skills.

Key Competencies

• Strong planning and organisational ability.
• Good negotiation and commercial awareness.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective supplier relationship management.
• Ability to manage multiple orders and competing deadlines.
• Proactive follow-up and expediting skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Sound problem-solving ability.
• Ability to identify and escalate supply chain risks.
• Ability to work effectively with procurement, production and technical teams.
• Reliable, accountable and deadline-driven approach.