Junior Buyer

This is an excellent opportunity to join Ridgway Machines as a Junior Buyer, working within a supportive Purchasing team and reporting into a Senior Buyer.

This is an entry-level role designed for someone looking to build a career in procurement or supply chain. You’ll play a key part in ensuring parts and services are delivered on time to support production, while gaining hands-on experience across purchasing, supplier liaison, and stock management.

You’ll be working closely with internal teams and external suppliers, with plenty of opportunity to learn, develop and grow within the function.

Key responsibilities

• Expedite purchase orders and proactively contact suppliers to ensure delivery commitments are met
• Update the ERP system (Factory Master) with order progress and any delivery changes
• Ensure all purchase orders are acknowledged and accurately recorded
• Follow up on orders without confirmation to avoid delays
• Raise purchase orders for tooling, stationery, consumables and non-stock equipment
• Liaise with the shop floor to ensure production requirements are met
• Review Works Orders and Sales Orders to ensure all required parts are ordered
• Escalate risks to delivery timelines to the Senior Buyer and wider team where required
• Highlight parts on hold or missing supplier/cost information and work to resolve
• Support stock takes and reporting, including year-end processes
• Provide support to warehouse and stores teams when required
• Adapt to changing priorities and work to deadlines, including occasional overtime or weekend work
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across safety and efficiency
• What success looks like
• Purchase orders are accurately raised, tracked and delivered on time
• Strong working relationships are built with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Production is supported with minimal disruption or delays
• Issues are identified early and effectively escalated
• Systems are kept up to date with accurate information

Essential

• Previous experience in a purchasing, materials, or similar role (or strong interest in starting a career in procurement)
• Confident communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A proactive and self-motivated approach
• Good problem-solving ability with a practical mindset
• Comfortable liaising with suppliers and internal teams
• Basic knowledge of stock systems and Microsoft Office

Desirable

• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g. Factory Master or similar)
• Exposure to a manufacturing or engineering environment
• Interest in developing within a purchasing or supply chain career, including further qualifications
• Salary range £26,000 to £30,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
• 37.5 hour working week, Friday finish at 1.30pm for production teams
• Free parking
• 25 days paid annual leave (includes 3 days for Christmas shut down) plus 8 days paid public holidays
• Company Bonus scheme
• Stakeholder Pension
• Family friendly policies
• Training and Personal Development
• Some onward International Travel Opportunities
• Complementary corporate work wear
• Relocation Assistance

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Ridgway Machines as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with Ridgway Machines and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.

If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.