Buyer (Maternity Cover) - PPE & Workwear Sector

Buyer (Maternity Cover) £33,000 + Bonus (OTE £35,000) Knaresborough, North Yorkshire Full Time | Office Based Clad Safety Ltd is seeking an experienced Buyer to join our team on a maternity cover contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded purchasing professional to take ownership of a diverse product portfolio within a growing PPE, workwear and uniform business. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring products are sourced competitively, stock availability is maintained, and suppliers deliver in line with customer expectations. The role reports to the Commercial Director and includes responsibility for managing an Assistant Buyer. Working closely with Sales, Customer Service and Suppliers, you will manage the full purchasing cycle from forecasting demand and placing purchase orders through to supplier performance management and order progression. You will help ensure products are available when customers need them while maintaining strong margins and supporting an excellent customer experience. Key responsibilities will include:

• Raising and progressing purchase orders to meet customer delivery commitments and stock requirements.
• Forecasting future demand and reviewing stock levels, supplier lead times and usage trends.
• Managing supplier relationships, negotiating pricing and maintaining accurate supplier data.
• Identifying and resolving supply chain delays, providing clear updates to internal stakeholders.
• Sourcing new products and alternative supply options from UK and international suppliers.
• Producing accurate product costings for quotations, tenders and customer opportunities.
• Analysing purchasing and sales data to identify cost savings, margin improvement opportunities and process efficiencies.
• Managing and supporting an Assistant Buyer.
• Maintaining product, pricing and stock data within business systems.
• Working with Accounts on supplier queries, rebates, discounts and import-related cash flow planning. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience within workwear, PPE, apparel, uniforms, industrial products or other stockholding businesses. Experience managing overseas suppliers, imports, freight and landed costs would be highly advantageous. Strong Excel skills and the ability to use data to support commercial decision-making are essential. Experience using ERP or purchasing systems is also desirable. This role would suit an organised, analytical and commercially aware Buyer who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on service levels, profitability and supply chain performance while working as part of a friendly and supportive team. If you have buying experience and are looking for a varied role within a growing business serving customers across emergency services, public sector, industrial and corporate markets, we'd love to hear from you