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.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies