Position:           Head Buyer

Location:         West Yorkshire

Salary:              £45K-£50K

Nicholas Associates have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and detail-oriented Buyer to manage the end-to-end procurement of goods and services. This role is critical in ensuring engineering requirements are accurately communicated, purchase orders are effectively managed, and supplier performance supports the delivery demands of a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring all engineering specifications and requirements are clearly defined and fully authorised.
• Coordinate closely with suppliers to expedite deliveries, track progress, and provide timely updates to internal stakeholders.
• Resolve non-conformances quickly and effectively to minimise disruption to operations.
• Review and validate supplier commercial terms, including payment terms, delivery conditions, and contractual obligations, ensuring alignment with company standards.
• Lead tender processes, including supplier selection and contract creation, with clearly defined deliverables and terms.
• Develop and maintain a high-performing, strategic supplier base.
• Conduct supplier audits to ensure quality, performance, and compliance standards are met.
• Monitor supplier acknowledgements and challenge discrepancies where necessary.
• Drive value by ensuring goods and services are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
• Negotiate contracts to achieve the best commercial outcomes for the business.
• Continuously review and optimise the supplier base to maximise value and efficiency.
• Support team performance objectives and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote the value of procurement across the wider business to enhance collaboration and commercial impact.
• Adhere to all Health & Safety policies and company procedures.

 Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in procurement within a fast-paced engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Experience in the automotive sector is advantageous.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings; experience sourcing mechanical or composite parts.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Positive, adaptable mindset with a willingness to support wider team objectives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.