Buyer

Salary Range: £24,552 - £26,000 pa

Full Time

Location: Colchester (hybrid)

We have an excellent opportunity in our Purchasing and Inventory Control Team for an ambitious Buyer who is looking to develop their experience to date working as part of a talented, evolving team, reporting directly to the Head of Purchasing and Inventory Control.

Purpose of the Role

Purchasing of demand in line with stock availability profiles required and managing the purchase backlog providing a consistently accurate data set of the current goods inflow, all targeted at optimising our opportunities for profitable sales growth. Also, to ensure we apply our supplier T&Cs to extract maximum value when placing orders with suppliers.

Key Accountability

Getting all orders executed in line with internal SLAs enabling consistent and continuous availability to drive sales. Managing purchase order backlog to optimise the customer experience by delivering to customer promise. Utilise fully our supplier T&Cs to extract maximum value from suppliers when placing purchase orders. Ensure all order pricing issues are fully resolved for and with Finance.

Purchase Order Management

• Creating, reviewing, and processing purchase orders accurately and in compliance with company policies, optimal demand and in line with all specification requirements.

• Apply the most current pricing and lead-times when executing purchase orders.

• Work with correctly defined and approved suppliers and sources when placing demand.

• Negotiate terms and extract additional value from suppliers whenever the negotiation opportunity arises, focussing on additional advantages around pricing, availability, stock rotations, scrap allowances, marketing funds and supplier rebates.

Communication

• Work with the Warehouse team, Finance and Supplier Management to problem solve around deliveries and invoice queries.

• Maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries and resolve any issues.

Backlog Management and Expedition

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of purchase backlog through actioning supplier order acknowledgments and expediting delinquent delivery messaging vs acknowledgement commitments.

• Maintain supplier T&Cs records that enable accurate backlog management based on the terms we are entitled to.

• Support in tracking and reconciling inventory discrepancies.

Supplier Delivery Performance Tracking

• Tracking supplier operational performance metrics such as delivery times, quality, and responsiveness.

• Develop a performance scorecard for strategic and core suppliers for purchasing and inventory control that is used in Supplier Management reviews to problem solve and hold suppliers to account for their commitments.

Reporting and Analysis

• Generate regular reports on procurement activities, expenses, and key performance indicators.

• Analyse data to identify trends and provide insights to improve supply chain procurement processes.

• Supplier performance scorecard development and use as referenced above.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and relevant regulations.

Assistance in Negotiations

• Utilise Supplier Management and other stakeholders where negotiation support is required to optimise results.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process enhancements within the procurement workflow.

• Collaborate with team members to implement best practices and streamline procedures.

General

• Responsible for their own performance, and to support their team in, achieving all targets and job standards set out by the Head of Purchasing and Inventory Control.

• Adaptable and flexible in their approach to work.

• Work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.

• To be curious and always looking for a better way to perform a task, in order to improve efficiency.

• Communicative and respectful of all workers within Rapid and their working environment.

• Understand how each task within the team impacts on the overall Client / Customer Experience of Rapid and ensure that they are striving to make this the best possible experience for all concerned.

• Work with trainers and managers to ensure that all skills are kept up to date.

• Perform any reasonable task that is required of them by their Manager.

• Provide consideration for holiday cover support where requested

Why Rapid?

At Rapid we're collaborators, innovators, and partners, with a purpose of helping you become better. As a leading distributor catering to bespoke needs in the Industrial and Education sectors across the UK, we take pride in our commitment to be the preferred choice for our customers, suppliers and our employees. Join a great place to enjoy growth Collaborative Can Do Culture:

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard, and every idea is valued. You'll be part of a team that thrives on collective expertise and mutual support to achieve. Opportunities for Growth:

We believe in investing in our employees' growth and development. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance to the next level, we provide ample opportunities for learning, competence development, and career advancement.

Customer-Centric Approach:

Our success is built on our commitment to exceed our customers' expectations. As a member of the Rapid family, you'll play a crucial role in delivering bespoke solutions that elicit customer satisfaction and loyalty. Work-Life Balance:

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages to support our employees' overall well-being.

Our Values, our DNA:

At Rapid our values are lived, not laminated. You feel, hear and see them in action relentlessly. They shape our culture and make us a Great Place to Work.

Benefits

• 21 days holiday (increasing by one day per full calendar year to a maximum of 25) + statutory public holidays
• 5.5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Medicash Healthcare Cash Plan
• Secure complimentary parking
• Hybrid Working
• Complimentary refreshment stations
• Annual bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Buy / Sell Holiday
• Training Courses
• Staff Discount