We are seeking to recruit a proactive and commercially minded Buyer to join our Procurement Team within a leading scientific distribution business. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, optimising stock levels, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of scientific products and consumables.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Procurement Manager and collaborating closely with the wider business you will be managing our suppliers and stock effectively, negotiating pricing and delivering an exceptional service to both internal and external customers that embraces our core values, drives sustainable business practice and delivers best value to the organisation and our partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Place purchase orders with suppliers for stock in a timely and efficient manner.
• Place purchase orders for direct delivery to customer sites ensuring due diligence and coordination with suppliers and internal teams to guarantee delivery and invoicing.
• Review and verify order acknowledgements- checking product codes, pack sizes, quantities and due dates- and update systems as needed.
• Resolve invoice queries and other purchasing related issues promptly.
• Monitor stock inventory and reorder levels to ensure product availability while avoiding overstocking.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability, competitive pricing, quality and timely delivery.
• Proactively negotiate best prices where possible to support commercial goals.
• Respond to supply chain challenges and actively resolve issues to maintain customer confidence and service levels.
• Handle escalations and ensure resolutions are satisfactory for both the business and customer.
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders- Sales, Operations, Finance and Customer Service.
• Support the implementation of procurement policies and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Meet with supplier representatives as required to review performance and opportunities.
• Promote the Procurement department internally with a positive, solutions focused attitude.
• Support additional projects as requested by the Procurement Manager.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in a buying or procurement role, ideally within scientific, technical, or distribution sectors.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Good negotiation and communication abilities.
• Experience with inventory management systems and procurement software.
• Experience of using ticketing systems such as Freshdesk.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment, managing orders, queries and stakeholder requirements concurrently.
• Keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, able to build positive relationships with colleagues, key stakeholders and suppliers.
• Team ethos.
• Competent/computer literate with several Microsoft Office applications and relevant software packages.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload.
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing, self-motivated and driven.

Nice to have

• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply CIPS qualified (Minimum Level 4) or willing to work towards.
• Experience in Scientific or Medical Industry

About us

SLS are the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals and consumables. Supplying to a wide range of sectors, provides a diverse and interesting customer base as well as providing countless opportunity to grow and expand. With a Nottingham based Head Office, with customers all over the UK, we are a stable and growing company who have an excellent reputation in the market. We proudly supported the NHS and scientific community over the course of the Pandemic as well as supporting the education sector with vital supplies to be able to aid teaching for children affected by school closures.

We are passionate about our people and have developed a strong team dynamic who are welcoming and supportive of new individuals joining the company with a brilliant management team to support you as your find your feet in the role.

We are also proud to be a Living Wage Employer and committed to equal opportunities and actively promote a diverse and inclusive working environment, and fairness for everyone.

Alongside our commitment to your professional and personal development, we also offer a generous benefits package including:

• Competitive salary

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

• Hybrid working model – split between home and Nottingham based office

• Company NEST pension

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave

• Small, friendly, and sociable teams with staff events

• Company profit bonus schemes

• Cycle2work schemes

• Career opportunities for development and progression

If you’re interested in joining the SLS team, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you!