EXPERIENCED MANUFACTURING BUYER OR MATERIAL PLANNER REQUIRED FOR IMMEDEATE START*** SF Recruitment are working with a leading manufacturing business based in North Central Birmingham to recruit a Buyer. The role is on a long term (18m) fixed term contract basis. A fantastic company culture & working envrionment the business prides itself on cultural fit & building a positive working environment.  JOB TITLE: Buyer ACCOUNTABLE TO: Purchasing Manager RESPONSIBLE FOR: - LIAISON WITH: All departments JOB PURPOSE: Responsible for sourcing equipment, goods, services and managing vendors as well as assisting the Purchasing Manager on the day to day buying activities. The successful candidate will be able to perform strategic procurement activities across multiple categories of spend. MAIN REPONSIBILITIES: 1. Forecast levels of demand for services and products ensuring order logs are reviewed monthly and ad hoc orders looked at daily; 2. Supporting the Procurement function in delivering the most effective procurement strategy 3. Managing suppliers to improve quality and on time delivery. Ensuring all orders are placed in a timely manner and orders followed up to make sure delivery is on time. 4. Being the go-to person for supplier related issues 5. Sourcing of materials for production 6. Conduct research to ascertain the best products and suppliers in terms of best value, delivery schedules and quality 7. Liaising heavily with various stakeholders - both internal and external to ensure the availability of materials for production 8. Build and maintain good relationships with new and existing suppliers; 9. evaluate bids and make recommendations, based on commercial and technical factors; 10. ensure suppliers are aware of business objectives; 11. To support continual improvement activities of the company Quality and Health & Safety management system standards 12. To work constructively and co-operate with achieving the Company/Department objectives 13. To ensure that any agreed deadlines/targets are met, or to raise issues that impact on these objectives in a timely manner 15. Support the communication requirements to ensure the effectiveness of the company quality management system is maintained 16. Promote the risk-based thinking approach with all employees to deliver conformity of the company' products and services 24. This list is not exhaustive - any other duties as and when required to meet the needs of the business EXPERIENCE: - Have ERP/MRP knowledge and experience - Previous business experience, especially gained in buying and selling, would be advantageous. - Manufacturing or Engineering experience would be advantageous but not essential