Tactical Buyer – Permanent Position
Location: Whitstable
Industry: Manufacturing / Engineering
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Arrangement: On-site
About the Opportunity
I am recruiting on behalf of a well-established and forward-thinking manufacturing organisation who are seeking a highly organised and proactive Tactical Buyer to join their Purchasing team. This is a key operational role responsible for ensuring continuity of supply, maintaining accurate order books, and supporting production through effective supplier management.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working collaboratively across departments, and has a strong understanding of procurement processes.
Key Responsibilities
Purchase Order & Order Book Management
*Create, place, and maintain purchase orders in line with MRP/planning requirements
*Manage open order books and ensure accuracy of quantities, pricing, and delivery dates
*Maintain high data integrity across ERP/MRP systems
Supplier Expediting & Delivery Management
*Proactively chase suppliers to ensure on-time delivery
*Resolve shortages, delays, and delivery risks
*Escalate critical supply issues as required
*Provide clear recovery plans for at-risk or late orders
Supplier Performance & Relationship Management
*Track and report supplier performance metrics (OTD/OTIF)
*Maintain supplier scorecards and follow up on improvement actions
*Support supplier performance reviews (occasional national and international travel may be required)
Internal Collaboration
*Work closely with Planning, Production, Logistics and Quality teams
*Support shortage meetings and operational reviews
*Communicate supply risks clearly and promptly to stakeholders
Continuous Improvement & Compliance
*Identify recurring issues and support root-cause analysis
*Contribute to process improvements within Purchasing
*Ensure adherence to company procurement policies and procedures
Key Performance Indicators
*On-Time Delivery (OTD/OTIF)
*Past-due order lines
*Supplier responsiveness
*Expedite effectiveness
*Order book accuracy
*Supply-related production disruptions
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
*Experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain
*Strong background in order management and supplier expediting
*Confident communicator with internal and external stakeholders
*Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
*Competent user of ERP/MRP systems
*Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
Desirable
*CIPS Level 3 (or working towards) or a relevant degree
*Experience within manufacturing, engineering, electronics, automotive, or aerospace
*Familiarity with supplier scorecards and performance monitoring
*Understanding of planning and inventory principles
Personal Attributes
*Persistent, resilient and proactive
*Calm under pressure
*Problem-solver with a data-driven approach
*Strong team player with a hands-on attitude
How to Apply
If you are a motivated procurement professional looking for your next challenge, please apply with your CV. I will be in touch to discuss the position in more detail.