Operational Buyer


Company:	Manpower UK Limited
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Birmingham, B19 2LF
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	1 Sept 2026
Closing date:	8 Sept 2026

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Summary

Operational Buyer

Permanent Contract

Birmingham

Competitive Salary

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.

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