Senior Buyer / Buyer

The Hartlepool Site, which employs 130 staff, provides technology-focused manufacturing including PCB assembly, box build, test and the integration of design-led connectivity and power solutions.

Senior Buyer

The Senior Buyer is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of electronic components, materials, and services required to support manufacturing and operational activities. Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, the role balances supply continuity, inventory optimisation, supplier performance, and cost management to support customer demand and business objectives.

The Senior Buyer acts as a point of escalation for complex supply chain and material availability issues, providing guidance and support to colleagues while driving the resolution of critical supply challenges. The Senior Buyer plays a key role in ensuring product availability, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, managing supply risks, and contributing to a resilient and efficient supply chain. The Senior Buyer is expected to undertake all core Buyer responsibilities while providing additional expertise, support, and escalation management across the purchasing function.

• Act as the primary escalation point for complex supplier, material availability, and delivery issues.
• Provide guidance and support to Buyers and other team members on purchasing processes, supplier and supply chain related challenges.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks, including extended lead times, allocation challenges, obsolescence concerns, and supplier constraints.
• Provide specialist purchasing support for NPI projects, assisting with component selection, supplier engagement, lead-time analysis, and material availability planning.
• Support the Procurement Lead with departmental reporting, escalation management, and continuous improvement initiatives as required.

Buyer

The Buyer is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of electronic components, materials, and services required to support manufacturing and operational activities. Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, the role balances supply continuity, inventory optimisation, supplier performance, and cost management to support customer demand and business objectives.

• Source and purchase electronic components and related materials using SAP signals while exercising commercial judgement to ensure continuity of supply and inventory optimisation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted supply.
• Explore market trends, supplier capabilities, and pricing fluctuations within the electronics industry and feedback to business.
• Issue purchase orders and track order status to ensure on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, Program, Production, Quality, and Planning teams to support product development, NPI and operational requirements.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance based on quality, delivery, cost, and service metrics.
• Resolve supply chain issues and changes in customer demands, including shortages, delivery delays, and quality concerns.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier documentation, and SAP data.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and cost-reduction programs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Create and maintain departmental KPI’s (including creating reports), reporting outcomes to management.
• Advise the business on required safety stocks in line with market conditions to support lead time reduction and meet customers’ expectations.
• Resolve invoice queries for the finance teams.
• Calculate and report cost change and effects on PPV.
• Create and process requests for airfreight.

Key requirements

• 2 years (Buyer) or 5 years (Senior Buyer) purchasing experience within electronics manufacturing or EMS environments. Experience purchasing electronic components such as semiconductors, PCBs, connectors, cables, and mechanical parts.
• (Senior Buyer) Experience managing complex supplier issues and material shortages within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• (Senior Buyer) Strong understanding of component lead-time management, supply continuity planning, and inventory optimisation.
• Strong knowledge of electronic components, BOM structures, PCB assemblies, and global supply chain practices.
• (Senior Buyer) Ability to coach and support team members.
• Experience supporting NPI processes.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP) and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Detail orientated, with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• A ‘completer-finisher’ mentality. Happy to get involved and willing to stand forward to take ownership.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with international suppliers and contract manufacturers. Knowledge of global electronics supply chains and component distribution networks.
• Knowledge of component lifecycle management and obsolescence planning.
• CIPS certification is an advantage.
• Knowledge / Experience of ISO 9001, ISO 13485 and/or EN 9100.

To apply for this position please send your CV to ***email_hidden***

Cicor Hartlepool Ltd

Stephen House,

Tofts Farm Industrial Estate East,

Brenda Road

Hartlepool,

TS25 2BQ