We are seeking a highly motivated and solutions-driven Manufacturing Buyer to join our team in Whitstable. In this critical role, you will bring your expertise in materials purchasing and supplier management to ensure the smooth operation of our manufacturing processes. This exciting role is based in Whitstable, offering the opportunity to be part of an innovative and collaborative team.

Position Summary

As a purchasing agent, you will drive process improvements within an MRP/ERP environment, working closely with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and performance. The ideal candidate will possess robust buying experience, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while making confident decisions. Your exceptional communication skills will allow you to interact seamlessly at all levels of the business. With strong organisational skills and excellent time management abilities, you’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, contributing to the success of our operations.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Supplier Management: Find, assess, and build strong relationships with reliable suppliers to ensure quality products and services.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate the best pricing, delivery, and service terms with suppliers. Manage supplier contracts and monitor performance.
• Inventory & Stock Management: Keep track of inventory levels to ensure we have the right amount of stock, avoiding overstocking or shortages. Work with sales and planning teams to meet demand and availability targets.
• Market Analysis: Stay informed on market trends and industry changes. Use this knowledge to spot opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.
• Performance Tracking: Regularly review key performance metrics to drive improvements and achieve better results.
• Demand & Logistics Management: Adapt to changes in demand and logistics to keep the supply chain running smoothly.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and nurture strong relationships with key suppliers, both locally and internationally. Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all necessary data is recorded to comply with regulations like waste packaging, REACH, and RoHS.
• Process Improvement: Continuously look for ways to improve procurement processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Cost Management: Drive cost-saving initiatives by negotiating prices, securing rebates, and finding the most cost-effective sourcing routes.
• Sourcing Solutions: Help develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with the company's goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments to ensure smooth coordination and meet project and demand requirements.
• Represent Core Values: Always act in line with the company’s core values in every interaction and decision.
• Additional Duties: Take on other tasks as assigned by the Line Manager to support the business.

About You

You are a highly analytical individual with a keen ability to evaluate data, market trends, and supplier performance to make well-informed purchasing decisions. Your strong negotiation skills ensure you secure favourable terms with suppliers, while your excellent communication abilities allow you to effectively collaborate with internal teams, stakeholders, and suppliers. Attention to detail is one of your strengths, ensuring accuracy in contracts, purchase orders, and inventory management.

You are a natural problem-solver, always able to identify issues quickly and implement effective solutions. In a fast-paced environment, your exceptional time management skills allow you to juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines without missing a beat. Your interpersonal skills are key to building and maintaining positive relationships with both suppliers and colleagues, while your financial acumen supports you in managing budgets and driving cost reduction initiatives.

You leverage Excel and MRP/ERP to analyse data and manage inventory with precision. Strategic thinking comes naturally to you, and you consistently align your purchasing activities with the broader business goals. You thrive in adapting to changing market conditions and organizational needs, always staying ahead of the curve.

As a team player, you work seamlessly with other departments, contributing to a collaborative environment. Your proactive approach and initiative drive continuous improvements, and you are dedicated to delivering high-quality service that meets both internal and external customer needs. Your strong ethical standards ensure integrity in all your purchasing activities, and you excel in managing procurement projects, ensuring they meet timelines, resources, and deliverables.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• MRP/ERP Systems: Comprehensive understanding and experience using MRP/ERP systems to efficiently manage procurement processes.
• Manufacturing Experience: Previous experience within a manufacturing environment, ideally with exposure to raw material purchasing.
• Purchasing Experience: 1-3 years of experience in a purchasing role, with a focus on procurement activities and supplier management.
• Import/Export Knowledge: Solid experience in managing international trade, including understanding duties, tariffs, trade restrictions, and relevant agreements.
• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of industry regulations, including hazardous materials (REACH, RoHS), sustainability standards, and compliance with environmental and energy efficiency requirements.
• Planning and Organisation: Ability to effectively plan, prioritise, and organise own workload to meet objectives.
• Customer Service: Excellent internal and external customer service skills, with a willingness to go the extra mile to meet targets and exceed expectations.
• Time Management: Proven ability to manage time effectively, working independently and prioritizing tasks to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Experience working in dynamic, high-pressure environments, demonstrating the ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
• Teamwork & Initiative: Strong team-working and networking skills, with the ability to work independently using initiative to achieve goals.
• Microsoft Office: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Qualifications: 5 GCSEs or equivalent,
• Fluent in English, speaking and written

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Purchasing Experience: A minimum of 1-3 years of previous experience in a Purchasing role within a Manufacturing or Construction organization, providing valuable insight into industry-specific procurement processes.
• CIPS Qualification: CIPS qualified or currently studying towards a CIPS qualification, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and a deep understanding of procurement best practices.
• Educational Background: A degree-level qualification, ideally in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field, is desirable.

We offer 
At Swegon, we work to create the world's best indoor climate that makes people thrive and feel good inside. We have ambitious goals in our sustainability efforts, in offering the most energy-efficient products, promoting gender equality, and becoming carbon neutral, and we have clear transparency in our work. We offer exciting challenges in a global environment with competent colleagues and a culture characterized by our values; "Customer Empathy, Trust, and Commitment," which permeate everything we do and are the basis for the decisions we make and how we interact with each other. At Swegon, we have an open and flexible organizational culture with short decision-making processes, plenty of development opportunities, and we care about you being able to balance your work with your personal life. We place great emphasis on personal qualities, welcome applicants with different backgrounds, and strive for diversity and gender equality.

About Swegon Group
Swegon Group, owned by the Stockholm Stock Exchange-listed Investment AB Latour, is a market-leading provider of a healthy indoor climate, with solutions for ventilation, heating, cooling, and climate optimization, as well as connected services and technical expertise. Swegon has subsidiaries and distributors worldwide and 17 production units in Europe, North America, and India. The company has approximately 3000 employees and had a turnover of approximately SEK 6 billion in 2022.

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