Buyer

This job is with RS Group, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Location – Site based - Saint Amand les Eaux.

We are seeking an experienced Buyer to manage the sourcing and purchasing of technical goods and services that support our customers engineering and manufacturing operations. This role is critical in ensuring timely delivery of high-quality materials and components to meet project deadlines.

To effectively manage the procurement activity for our key clients of our EMEA business and drive delivery of key performance and savings KPIs. To analyse client data to ensure spend is being driven to the correct supplier & category to secure best price & savings opportunity. To source stock and/or non-stock items from new and existing Suppliers in line with agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and internal procedure(s). To maintain a continuous improvement culture to ensure delivery of consistent savings and world class client service.

What you will be doing:

• Source, negotiate, and purchase technical goods and services in line with company requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, and secure optimal total cost of ownership (TCO) and contract conditions.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and production teams to understand technical specifications and ensure compliance. Obtain and verify technical documentation / specifications /drawings, ensuring traceability and data integrity.
• Partner with Quality Department to qualify and maintain approved suppliers, supporting audits, CAPA follow-up, and ongoing QMS alignment.
• Manage supplier change notifications and submit approval requests as formal technical change control documentation.
• Proactively monitor inventory levels and product lifecycle and obsolescence risk; develop approved alternates and validation plans to safeguard supply.
• Perform cost analysis and leverage industry knowledge to drive savings and optimize value.
• To effectively manage the buying processes for key RS Integrated Supply clients, whilst driving savings and compliance with SLAs and internal procedures.
• Deliver all client contractual savings as per agreements.
• To ensure you are on track to achieve client contractual savings.
• Responsible for KPI/SLA delivery in line with set objectives, (Quote turnaround, conversions).
• To obtain quote requests for new items and to amend systems accordingly.
• Maximise intercompany spend opportunities to drive RS Group growth, where relevant.
• To analyse sourcing data to consistently deliver best price in the marketplace.
• Utilises data & consistently identify client spend patterns for increased savings opportunities.
• Work closely with procurement teams for direction on selecting the correct supplier/category for best price.
• Support the procurement teams with overall governance of the preferred supplier programs in the marketplace.
• To efficiently respond to plant stopper situations and urgent items requests received from the Client.
• To liaise directly with the Procurement department with respect to supplier and category information to ensure delivery of best price and client service.
• To consistently deliver an exceptional client focused service and maintain a professional and courteous relationship with the Client and Suppliers.

What do I need to be successful?

If you have the following skills and experience, we want to hear from you:

• Proven experience in technical procurement within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience with Quality Agreements, supplier audits and change control
• Demonstrable experience buying for regulated pharma environment with working knowledge of GMP/GxP.
• GMP/GxP training and understanding of Pharma Quality Management System
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• In-depth understanding of industry-specific materials, equipment, and technical specifications.
• Excellent analytical and communication abilities.
• Can demonstrate a collaborative approach; ability to work with and through others across business/functional lines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build long term relationships with clients and suppliers.
• Experienced in negotiating & challenging the norm.
• Can do attitude – the ambition and drive to challenge, deliver excellence and be positive about change.
• Resilient and robust – the intellect and strength of character to deliver a key role in a demanding business.
• Self-motivated together with a positive attitude to deliver excellent Client experience and satisfaction.
• Effective decision making and problem-solving skills throu