Buyer

Responsibilities

Job Role:  Buyer

Working Hours:  Monday to Thursday 7.30 am to 4.15 pm and Friday finish at 12 noon - basic weekly hours 37.5

Competitive Package and Benefits - annual bonus, Employers Pension Contribution up to 10%, 6 x basic annual salary life assurance scheme, bronze cover health cash plan, 24/7 employee assistance programme, in person occupational health. 

Essential Functions

To coordinate and manage all purchasing activities on site, including purchase order administration, KPI monitoring and reporting, contract negotiation, identification of new suppliers and identification of cost saving opportunities.  Your services will be supporting other areas of the business. 

Our new Buyer, will be an experienced Purchasing professional who has or is working towards Degree / CIPS - qualified with a minimum of two years purchasing experience. Must have both administration and strategic purchasing experience, ideally gained in a manufacturing environment. Strong negotiator who is determined to succeed.

Self motivated with the ability to see what needs doing and pursue an objective through to completion despite obstacles.  Good communication and influencing skills and able to work with other departments.  Able to perform routine tasks, whilst maintaining focus on long term objectives.

Must have the leadership skills and capability to deputize as required.

Job Summary

• Coordinate and manage purchasing activities in accordance with Howmet Policy and Procedures for both external and intercompany suppliers.
• Ensure that requisition process, and Purchase Order issuing, is completed in accordance with both site and Howmet requirements.  To issue Purchase Orders, Order acknowledgement follow-up, open order management identifying the best price and supplier for new purchase orders.
• Maintain good awareness of stakeholders of complete requisition to Payment process and related instruction.
• Responsible for negotiation of contracts with existing and new suppliers. To write and maintain contracts. To seek legal approval where relevant and enter contracts in the interest of Howmet.
• Develop supplier relationships and conduct supplier reviews, performance measurements against agreed KPI’s and assist Quality Manager with supplier audits.
• Support with procurement projects as necessary.
• Support the import element of IMEX.
• To maintain Approved Vendor Listings, ensuring QA277 and QA333 is completed in accordance with Howmet Policy and Procedures.
• Lead cost reduction projects to achieve site cost saving targets
• Resolve invoice queries and payment disputes

 

Company Responsibilities 

• Maintain and develop procedures to ensure full compliance with Howmet policies and conduct all activities in accordance with the Howmet Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of and commitment to continuous improvement principles and techniques.
• Perform other duties as assigned

 

Person Specification 

• Ability to develop strong working relationships with both internal and external stake holders. 
• Approachable, with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to resolving issues.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to both analyse and make objective recommendations.
• Proactive and enthusiastic approach to work, constantly seeking to improve processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritise, seeking guidance when necessary.
• Excellent eye for detail, with a methodical and thorough approach.
• Acts with honesty and integrity.
• Strives to develop personal skills and experience
• Confident with the ability to present information

Qualifications

• Must have strong I.T skills, including demonstrable use of Microsoft Office tools for data analysis, reporting and presenting.
• Experienced purchasing professional who has or is working towards Degree/CIPS qualification
• Minimum two years purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment

• GCSE pass grades in English and Mathematics

   

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California.  We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.