Closing Date: Friday 24th March 2023

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 planning team 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 based upon value/volume of spend activity, performance and risk 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). Move from local to global sourcing where appropriate to deliver best value. Review options for moving from PO’s with scheduled call off dates to supply agreements with quantity and date flexibility to address demand volatility whilst ensuring that any agreements reflect the product lifecycle and dovetail with any product replacement plans from sales and marketing.

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. Capture all savings in the PPV log and ensure that Epicor is set up correctly so that PPV benefits are achieved. Review make v buy decisions to optimise overall profitability.

Systems and Processes
Identify and detail system improvements or developments of the purchasing function to the Purchasing Manager. Review opportunities for reducing admin 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, monitor and manage appropriate KPI’s to ensure that purchasing targets and strategic goals 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
Manage import clearance activity for direct purchases, ensuring compliance with HMRC import regulations.
Provide guidance and advice to stakeholders purchasing capital equipment, considering, cost, retentions, risk, warranty, servicing and maintenance,
Comply with Company H&S procedures & legislation at all times.
Any additional duties deemed appropriate which are within the job holders capabilities.

About You: 

Experience

• Experience in a Senior Buyer or similar role.

• Fully conversant with current procurement techniques.

• Demonstrable results in delivering cashable and non-cashable savings.

• Experience in a manufacturing organisation.

Skills

• Comprehensive use of ERP/MRP systems.
• Advanced negotiation skills.
• Good oral and written communications.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of English Contract Law, its implications and risk.
• Excellent analytical skills and problem solving techniques.
• Ability to read technical drawings.