Senior Buyer

My client is a successful locally owned distribution, warehousing and supply company with an excellent reputation across their client base within the manufacturing / construction sector.

Due to ongoing business growth, they now seek to appoint an experienced Senior Buyer & Inventory Controller to take ownership of key purchasing activities while helping improve inventory control and MRP processes across the business.

This is a hands-on role responsible for managing suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, ensuring materials are purchased at the right cost and delivered on time, and maintaining appropriate stock levels to support the business.

The role will work closely with Divisional Heads, Operations, Sales and other functions to improve purchasing performance, supplier relationships and inventory control.

Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day purchasing activities across an agreed portfolio of suppliers and products, develop strong relationships with key suppliers and act as a primary commercial contact.
- Negotiate purchase prices, payment terms, lead times and other commercial conditions. Identify and deliver measurable purchasing savings and cost-reduction opportunities.
- Ensure Purchase Orders are raised accurately and placed with suppliers on time. Proactively manage overdue orders, shortages and supplier delivery issues.
- Use MRP effectively, maintain accurate purchasing and supplier information, ensure materials are available when required without creating unnecessary inventory.
- Review purchasing parameters including lead times, minimum order quantities, reorder levels and safety stock. Identify opportunities to reduce excess, obsolete and slow-moving stock.
- Support the development and implementation of purchasing strategies for key suppliers and product categories.
- Work with Divisional Heads to understand forecast demand and ensure purchasing activity supports sales and operational requirements. Support the development of the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
- Improve the process for setting up new stock items and maintaining accurate master data.
- Produce and monitor relevant purchasing and inventory KPIs. Support the implementation of purchasing best practice and continuous improvement across the business.

The successful candidate will ideally have 5+ years' experience in purchasing, buying or procurement, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering or distribution environment.
Strong practical experience of MRP/ERP systems. Experience of SAP would be advantageous but is not essential. Good understanding of inventory and stock-control principles. Demonstrable experience negotiating with suppliers and achieving cost savings. Data-analysis skills with experience reviewing stock levels, purchasing parameters and material requirements. Ability to work collaboratively with Sales, Operations, Finance and other functions. Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills. CIPS qualification would be advantageous but is not essential where the candidate has suitable experience.

Success in the role will include Purchasing savings and cost reductions, Supplier on-time delivery and quality performance and Reduction in excess and slow-moving inventory. Improved stock availability, Improved MRP and purchasing-data accuracy, Reduction in material shortages. Improved supplier relationships and commercial terms

The successful candidate will be rewarded with a starting salary of £45,000 to £50,000 (negotiable, depending on experience). Annual Bonus, Pension, Life Assurance. 30 days holiday. Hours of work, Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.30pm (Friday 4pm). (Alternate Fridays day off ) Own transport an advantage, smart offices are located near Lisburn.

Genuine opportunity to join a well-respected company that is well placed for growth in NI and ROI. Ongoing training provided.

Interested? Contact Bill Ashe at Staff Source, please send your CV using the apply link. Confidentiality assured.