As a Placement Buyer, you’ll own real projects, influence sourcing decisions, and gain hands-on experience in procurement, supplier management, and commercial decision-making.
Manchester, UK
Temporary
Career Pathways: Procurement | Supply Chain | Operations | Commercial Management | Manufacturing
Responsibilities:
Supporting New Product Development (NPD)
- Source components and influence design for manufacture.
- Benchmark costs, assess whole-life value.
- Ensure prototypes and launch materials are on time.
- Strengthen supply resilience.
Keeping Production Moving
- Manage purchase orders and supplier performance.
- Expedite overdue orders and resolve quality issues.
- Update ERP parameters based on demand trends.
Supplier & Commercial Management
- Support negotiations, analyse spend data.
- Consolidate suppliers for cost efficiency.
- Monitor market trends affecting key commodities.
Risk & Compliance
- Supplier appraisals and due diligence.
- CE/UKCA, RoHS, REACH, CSR compliance.
- Assist with import clearance and transport coordination.
About You:
Who we are looking for:
-
Students studying: Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations/Manufacturing, or related disciplines.
Skills
- Numeracy & analytical ability.
- Communication & interpersonal skills.
- Excel & IT confidence.
- Attention to detail & organisation.
- Proactive, problem-solving mindset.
- Commercial curiosity.
- No prior buying experience required — we value potential and drive!
What you'll learn:
- Practical procurement & negotiation skills.
- International supply chain exposure.
- ERP/MRP system expertise.
- Cost analysis and commercial evaluation.
- Stakeholder management across Engineering, Production, QA, and Planning.
- KPI tracking and performance measurement.
Applying:
Applications should be made by forwarding a copy of your up to date CV and covering letter to hr@elcometer.com or alternatively, you can submit your application by post to: Elcometer Limited, Edge Lane, Droylsden, Manchester, M43 6BU.