Operational Buyer

Operational Buyer - Cambourne

Are you an experienced Operational Buyer, Buyer or Procurement Specialist looking for a fast-paced role within a global manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy managing supplier relationships, expediting deliveries, resolving supply issues and ensuring critical materials are available to support production?

Welcome to ZEISS.

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology company operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries. ZEISS is shaping technological progress and through its solutions is extending the horizon of the world of optics and associated areas.

ZEISS consists of four segments: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Global Supply Chain Management Electron Microscopy team, supporting manufacturing operations through effective supplier management, material planning and procurement activities across an international supply chain.  

What you'll be doing

Working within the Supply Chain Management Electron Microscopy Organisation at ZEISS, you will act as the key interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring materials are delivered on time to support manufacturing operations in both Cambourne and Oberkochen.

You'll take ownership of a supplier base of 70+ suppliers, proactively managing orders, expediting deliveries, resolving shortages and ensuring continuity of supply in a fast-paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the end-to-end order lifecycle from placement through to delivery

• Expedite supplier orders and proactively manage delivery performance

• Monitor supplier commitments, identify risks and implement mitigation actions

• Manage and resolve material shortages to minimise impact on production

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers

• Conduct supplier performance reviews and monitor key performance metrics

• Maintain accurate supplier and material master data within SAP

• Support forecasting and demand planning activities

• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies and payment-related queries

• Monitor pricing changes and supplier performance trends

• Create and maintain procurement dashboards and reporting tools

• Collaborate closely with Production Planning, Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams

• Identify opportunities to improve and automate procurement processes

• Participate in continuous improvement and value stream mapping activities

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and regulatory requirements

• Work closely with international suppliers to ensure material availability and on-time delivery

What We're Looking For

• Experience as an Operational Buyer, Buyer or Procurement Specialist, ideally with 3+ years' experience

• Experience managing the full order lifecycle from placement through to delivery

• Strong supplier management and relationship-building skills

• Proven experience expediting orders and managing supplier performance

• Experience resolving material shortages and supply chain issues

• SAP experience, ideally as a confident day-to-day user

• Experience working within a manufacturing or engineering environment

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and work effectively within a fast-paced environment

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to analyse and manage large volumes of data

• Confidence escalating issues and driving resolutions when required

• Experience working with international suppliers would be advantageous

• Exposure to demand planning, continuous improvement or procurement process optimisation would be beneficial

We want you!

With motivation and passion, you'll fit right in at ZEISS!

We're looking for someone who is proactive, organised and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Someone who takes ownership, communicates confidently with suppliers and stakeholders, and isn't afraid to challenge, escalate and drive actions when required.  

In return, you'll join a globally recognised technology leader, benefit from flexible working hours, a hybrid working model, and enjoy clear progression opportunities into Project Buyer and Lead Buyer positions as your career develops.

If you want to make a real impact within an international manufacturing supply chain and build your career with ZEISS, we'd love to hear from you.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Abigail Hannaby, Farzana Rahman, Kate Benyon, Lara Haslam, Natarlee Lawrence, Suya Rolph