In simple terms, manufacturing buyers handle and organise the purchase of products and services for a company. Buyers operate across a wide variety of industries such as constriction, fashion and manufacturing. Products purchased by buyers might include tools, vehicles or equipment for internal use or resale. Buyers are also responsible for keeping track of orders, filing invoices, managing and keeping to pre-determined budgets. In some instances, buyers will also lead teams of other buyers – especially in the context of larger businesses.

In this blog from BMR Solutions, we outline a guide to the role of Manufacturing buyer. Noting desirable skills, earnings and education requirements. We will also note some more general information about experiences and timelines associated with the role.

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What Does a Manufacturing Buyer Do?

As a manufacturing buyer, a large portion of time is taken up negotiating with manufacturers or service providers. These negotiations will concern finding the best price for goods that are relevant to a business’ needs. In addition to negotiating on price, manufacturing buyers will constantly be observing changes in the market both in terms of what products are gaining demand and when it might be best to buy certain products. Buyers may also make suggestions for new products that they believe will be of benefit to the business. In addition to spending, buyers are also responsible for ensuring that a business keeps to their designated budget, ensuring that overspending does not occur.

Desirable Skills

  • Highly organised – As a buyer, organisation is essential, keeping on top of a business’ goals and needs will continually inform areas in which investment is required. An organised buyer will also ensure that unnecessary investments are not made.
  • Communication – As a buyer, communication skills are essential. On a typical day, a manufacturing buyer will communicate with a variety of team members ranging from senior management, manufacturers and even other members of their team. Effective communication is vital in ensuring that the correct stock is purchased and overspending does not occur. In addition, high levels of communicative competence are required to engage in price negotiations, which have a significant impact on business outgoings.
  • Mathematics Skills – With the responsibilities of a buyer having significant influence on company funds, mathematics skills are essential. Keeping to budget is essential within the role of buyer, without basic mathematics skills, a buyer could easily led a business into overspending – with serious consequence.
  • Teamwork Skills – For some businesses, one designated buyer is sufficient to handle internal needs. For others, large teams of buyers must work together in order to ensure a successful outcome. For this reason, teamworking skills are essential.
  • IT Skills – As a buyer in 2023, many elements of your role will involve using computers to log and conduct purchases. Some businesses use specialised software to track and organise orders so proficiency with digital systems is beneficial. It is also likely that a buyers will need to be suitably confident using more typical resources such as Excel.

Salary Expectations for Manufacturing Buyers

 The average UK salary for buyers roles is £37,500 per annum. Naturally, available salary will vary across employers. Variables influencing salary might include location, level of responsibility and individual business factors.

What Education Should a Manufacturing Buyer have?

When looking to recruit buyers, the majority of companies look for candidates with a minimum bachelor’s degree and some experience within a purchasing role. Degrees that typically lead to buying roles include business, administration, economics, customer service, communications and mathematics. When conducting interviews, many businesses place a keen focus on finding a buyer who is able to demonstrate proficient negotiation skills.

A Day in the Life of a Manufacturing Buyer

Within the role of manufacturing buyer, tasks may change from day to day. Typically, a buyer will be expected to keep up to date with ongoing negotiations via email and phone as well as attend meetings with relevant departments about past, ongoing or future purchases.

 

As well as conducting routine tasks, it is likely that a buyer will come against unanticipated challenges such as errors or issues with deliveries – which will require contact with a supplier.

Engineering & Manufacturing Roles with BMR Solutions

 Founded in 2003 and based in Bristol, BMR Solutions are proud to be the go-to recruitment partner for both SMEs and Blue-Chip organisations. We specialise in providing technical and professional staff for employment within the Engineering and Manufacturing field. Jobs we recruit for vary from shop floor, to buying, to senior management. We’re a close-knit team of ambitious recruitment consultants. With over 30+ years of experience in recruitment for technical sectors, we have the expert knowledge and diverse database needed to match you with the best talent available.

Are you looking for your next job as a manufacturing buyer? Upload your CV today. If you’re keen to see what we already have available, take a look at our existing jobs.

Are you an Engineering or Manufacturing company that is in need of a specialised recruitment partner? Please feel free to reach out to our team today, we’d love to help!