Easter Seals Jobs

Exciting Opportunity for a Senior Buyer

We are searching for a Senior Buyer to join our busy team based in Peterborough.

As the Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for cost effective and timely delivery of products to specified technical and quality requirements for production and engineering programmes.

The successful candidate must be able to take control of a given set of commodities and will be responsible for both the operational performance of the suppliers and for interfacing with internal customers, in addition to managing the varied operational demands of supporting a successful manufacturing business. The ultimate aim is to support the business by optimising price, quality and delivery. You will be an excellent team player, have the ability to lead/motivate team members and be results driven.

This is a permanent position working 37.5 hours per week. We offer hybrid working for this role which will allow you to enjoy the balance of home working and collaboration time with the team in our modern, friendly offices which include free onsite parking.

Who are we?

Howden is a leading global engineering business who focus on providing mission critical air and gas handling products to our clients, helping them to increase their environmental and operational efficiencies. We recognise the value of people and truly believe that by working together, aligned to a common purpose, we all have the opportunity to grow, learn and make a difference.

What Needs To Be Done?

• Conduct contractual negotiations with suppliers to ensure that all contracts reflect a robust flow-down of our contractual terms and conditions and to minimise commercial risks.

• Maximise the benefits of currency fluctuations.

• Procure goods and services cost effectively.

• Ensure that the quality of products supplied meets appropriate quality standards.

• Ensure supplier on time delivery through effective negotiation.

• Be prepared to challenge the suppliers to maximise margin and value for the benefit of the business.

• To rationalise supplier base to develop preferred sources of supply to meet the strategic business needs.

• Analyse supplier capabilities and manage source selection.

• Access more effective suppliers capable of supporting design initiatives and/or cost out strategies.

• Develop awareness of market intelligence on products, prices and processes.

• Keep up to date on new developments that influence procurement practices and procedures.

• Arrange and participate in meetings when required.

• Maintain purchase order status with dates reflecting current demand and commitments.

• Evaluate and support resolution on material quality, price, supply issues, delivery and invoice discrepancies.

• Prepare reports, related to purchasing activities, for presentation to the business.

• Propose and implement job related process improvements, participate in cross-functional reviews.

• Support the purchasing function and other relevant departments and communicate any supply problems which may impact on business operations.

• Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes and new projects and activities.

• Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the business.

• Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers.

• Provide analysis on costs, new and existing and review potential cost reduction activities.

• Negotiate orders, improve prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings utilising negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods.

• Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and keep up good communications.

• Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships.

• Ensure compliance to business guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures.

• Conduct research for new suppliers.

• Compile data relating to supplier performance to enable evaluation.

• Assess and evaluate suppliers and contribute to performance reviews to ensure contract compliance.

To be successful you must have …

• Knowledge of purchasing processes and Order placement systems.

• Responsibility for the updating of computerised reports regarding delivery dates and supplier performance.

• Experience of Microsoft Office suite.

• The ability to negotiate in a business environment with tact and diplomacy.

• The ability to create and manage key supplier relationships in order to achieve the execution of purchase orders, right first time, on time and to budget.

Key performance indicators include:

• Right first time – monitor supplier quality.

• On time delivery - delivery to acknowledged promise date, and any improvements.

• To Budget – cost savings recorded where possible

It’s a bonus if you have (but not essential)…

• An appropriate SCM qualification e.g. CIPS with relevant experience.

• Engineering background / Engineering technical knowledge.

• Experience of ERP Systems.

• Lean / Six Sigma.

In Return, we offer a range of fantastic benefits:

• A flexible and supportive work environment.

• A competitive salary.

• Generous holiday entitlement package.

• Howden Pension Plan with Scottish Widows.

• Healthcare cash plan with Healthshield.

• Access to My Howden Benefits & Wellbeing Portal – Cycle2Work programme, range of discounts across various retailers, wealth of information to support health & wellbeing.

• Group Life Assurance plan at 3x salary.

• Group Income Protection plan.

• Opportunity to be involved in our ESG ‘Bright Future’ initiatives – STEM ambassador & volunteering.

• Dedicated Help@Hand Service – Free Counselling, Physiotherapy, financial support etc.

• Training & Development Opportunities.

• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, shared parental and adoption leave pay.

Interested? We would love to hear from you! Please follow the link to our website to apply.