Operational Buyer

  • Reference icon Reference Number: 445107
  • PublishDate iconJob Published: 06/08/2026
  • JobType iconForm of employment: Permanent
  • salaryRate iconSalary: £42000 - £42000 Per annum
  • domain iconIndustry: Purchasing
  • type iconJob Type: Full Time

Senior Buyer
Permanent Contract
Birmingham
Hybrid - 2 days at home 3 days in the office

We are partnering with a leading electronic engineering and manufacturing business in Birmingham seeking an experienced Operational Buyer to join their UK purchasing team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys end-to-end supplier management, negotiation and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

The role

  • Manage a defined portfolio of suppliers and subcontractors, developing and delivering clear category strategies.
  • Source new supply solutions and challenge existing suppliers to drive improvements in quality, cost and delivery (QCD).
  • Negotiate and maintain contract agreements in line with group purchasing terms and commercial T&Cs.
  • Run RFQs, benchmark key suppliers and support major UK projects and NPD activity to strict timelines.
  • Conduct supplier audits, monitor performance and lead corrective actions where required.
  • Provide accurate, timely budgetary information and report cost movement and productivity savings.
  • Support operational purchasing needs across all UK manufacturing sites, helping to minimise risk in the supply chain.
  • Contribute to and uphold the company's CSR, core values and Code of Ethics in all purchasing activity.


About you

  • Proven experience in a purchasing or buying role, within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
  • Comfortable managing both direct materials and indirect services, with an understanding of commercial contract terms and conditions.
  • Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills, with an eye for detail and continuous improvement.
  • Confident communicator, able to work closely with stakeholders across operations, engineering, quality and finance.
  • Highly IT literate, with strong Excel skills and experience using ERP/MRP systems.
  • Self-motivated, organised and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ideally MCIPS qualified or working towards and holding a valid UK driving licence.


How to apply

If you're a proactive buyer looking to take ownership of a key supplier portfolio and make a tangible impact on cost, quality and delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience and salary expectations.

If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website.