Responsibilities:

Sourcing and NPD
Work with stakeholders during the NPD process to effectively influence design decisions, encourage design for manufacturing and avoid single source selection. Conduct research activity for suppliers of new products, report on whole life costs and submit recommendations. Focus on consolidation of suppliers to maximise leverage, reduce unit price and processing costs. Ensure that materials and parts are ordered and delivered on time to support prototype builds and the initial production ramp up.

Purchasing in Support of Manufacturing
Ensure that parts are delivered on time to allow production plans to be met. Work with the QA Department to address any part quality issues and implement sustainable solutions. Reduce Cost Of Quality for parts delivered. Review demand patterns and update ERP purchasing parameters accordingly to strike the optimum balance between part availability and potential over-stocking. Ensure that order confirmations are maintained and any due date alterations are reflected in the ERP system, overdue purchase orders should be followed up and expedited. Communicate effectively with the Production Planning Department so that any part or material availability issues are resolved or reflected in the production schedules.

Supplier Relationships
Identify new suppliers, agree optimal terms and negotiate supply agreements, where appropriate. Maintain a system of vendor assessment based upon suitable metrics (cost, quality, delivery, etc.). Visit vendors, as necessary, in accordance with the Supplier Appraisal System. Ensure vendors are compliant with relevant standards and legislation such as CE/UKCA, RoHS, REACH and Conflict Materials, etc. and retain appropriate documentary evidence. Ensure purchasing practices reflect and comply with the Company’s environmental (ISO14000) and CSR policies. Review options for supplier consolidation and consignment stock / vendor managed inventory (VMI).

Purchase Prices
Analyse commodity group spend to target potential benefits, including cost reduction. Undertake regular cost benchmarking reviews on key parts / commodity groups. Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation to achieve increased throughput and price reduction. Renegotiate prices based upon growth related volume increases. Review and optimise economic order quantities (EOQ). Monitor market trends, to identify influences on commodities purchased and take action to mitigate impact to Elcometer.

Systems and Processes
Identify and detail system improvements or developments of the purchasing function to the Purchasing Lead. Review opportunities for reducing administration load and automating tasks in the ERP system. Identify and document requirements for reports to assist the purchasing function achieve targets and improve effectiveness. Measure and monitor appropriate KPI’s to ensure that purchasing targets are delivered.

Risk Management
Manage risk in the supply chain, ensuring supplier viability / sustainability, product quality, life cycle management, risk of obsolescence and failure.

Other
Arrange transport of raw materials, where necessary and manage import clearance activity for direct purchases, ensuring compliance with HMRC import regulations.

Comply with Company H&S procedures and legislation at all times. Any additional duties deemed appropriate which are within the job holder’s capabilities.

About You: 

Experience

• Experience in a manufacturing organisation.

• Experience in a Buyer or similar role.
  Fully conversant with current procurement techniques.
  Demonstrable results in delivering cashable and non-cashable savings.
  Good commercial and financial acumen.

Skills

• Comprehensive use of ERP/MRP systems.
• Interpersonal skills, particularly in negotiation.
• Good oral and written communications.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Knowledge of English Contract Law, its’ implications and risk.
• Excellent analytical skills and problem solving techniques.
• Ability to read technical drawings.