The Role:
As part of my client's growth and evolution they have an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Buyer. This is a critical role within the business that works alongside the Product Managers in order to provide strategic and tactical buying expertise and manages the procurement of a wide range of assigned products and components.
The Company:
My client is an established but fast-growing technology company founded in the UK which has grown and evolved into a highly successful and financially independent international business with offices in across Europe
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for strategic planning, price negotiation, and procurement of a range of products
- Work in conjunction with and place orders on behalf of Product Managers
- Ensure optimal stock levels with the support of the product administrators
- Understand and monitor current demand dynamics and product lifecycles
- Monitor and understand the market conditions and various aspects affecting it
- Analyse data from planning tools and take necessary actions to satisfy demand
- Build up a sales forecast based on outstanding quotations and inputs from the sales team
- Suggest and plan forward orders up to 6 months ahead in some cases
- Optimise levels of stock holding to maximize sales but avoid inventory losses due to deterioration, obsolescence, and other causes.
- Understand the products and market dynamics to negotiate prices with suppliers and agree with Product Managers
- Release, process, and chase orders to ensure goods are available.
- Liaise with suppliers on specification changes, and work with the design and marketing teams to make necessary changes
- Utilise demand forecasting and inventory planning tools to analyse orders and sales data to understand what is selling, what is not, and what is in short supply etc.
- Follow and manage the importation of products and plan and arrange testing in line with company procedures
- Be aware of supplier's strengths and weaknesses and develop relationships with their competitors.
- Monitor our competitors and provide feedback to Product Managers on market situation.
- Suggest new products to the Product Managers and report on developments in markets and products you see through your contact with suppliers.
- Ensuring quality products are bought, liaising with suppliers on issues
- Manage lead-time and order date, and report any delays and liaise with sales to communicate issues early
- Provide lead-time and prices to sales in conjunction with Product Managers
- Build and maintain relationships with the European and East Asian vendors
- Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement
- Travel to suppliers in Asia and visit trade shows as required
- Mastering knowledge and use of both our MRP and AI stock management systems
Requirements:
- At least 5 years or more of experience in a buying, purchasing or procurement role
- 2+ years of experience buying fast moving or commodity based products with constantly evolving supply and demand and price fluctuations
- Good exposure working with suppliers and manufacturers from around the world including Europe and Asia pacific
- Highly skilled negotiation and influencing skills
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex data sets and technical specifications
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrate strong commercial acumen, with drive and ambition.
- Good Microsoft Excel skills and ability to quickly pick up and use stock/inventory management systems
