Operational Buyer

Clarendon Specialty Fasteners Limited; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fastener solutions distributor in Leicester is looking for an Operational Buyer to join the Purchasing team. You will manage order flows, handle supplier communications, and drive logistical excellence. Candidates should have purchasing experience, strong communication skills, and excel in a fast-paced environment. Benefits include competitive annual leave, a yearly bonus scheme, and digital health support. Join a culture of collaboration and proactive problem-solving.

Benefits

25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

Yearly Bonus Scheme

Pension Scheme

One working from home day after probation

Free Parking

Regular Social & Sporting Events

Access to digital health and wellbeing support

Free refreshments

Games room for breaks

Qualifications

• Experience or understanding of the purchasing process.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.

Responsibilities

• Manage back-to-back orders ensuring accuracy and swift progression.
• Resolve order issues and maintain supplier relationships.
• Lead purchasing reviews and document KPIs.

Skills

Purchasing experience

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Proactive mindset

Confidence in building rapport

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)

Job description

At Clarendon Specialty Fasteners, we don’t just supply fasteners, we enable innovation. As a leading value-add distributor of specialty fastener solutions, we serve industries that shape the future, including Aerospace, Space, Motorsport, Defence, & Industrial Markets.

Why Join Us?

• 🚀 Impactful Work: Make a visible impact in a high-performance team.
• 🤝 Collaborative Culture: Work with passionate experts in a supportive, agile environment.
• 📈 Career Growth: Access technical training, mentorship, and clear development paths.
• 💡 Innovation-Driven: Be part of a company that values creativity and continuous improvement.
• 🌍 Shared Success: We win together, across teams, locations, and challenges.

📩 Apply now and be part of a dynamic, fast‑paced team playing a critical role in operational success.

Position

Due to progression within the team, we have an exciting opportunity for an Operational Buyer to join our Purchasing team. At Clarendon, back‑to‑back ordering is central to how we fulfil orders for our customers. You’ll own the journey from order placement to delivery, working cross‑functionally to keep turnaround times tight, information accurate, and stakeholders informed. Every day brings new challenges, along with real opportunities to improve processes, strengthen supplier relationships, and grow your skills.

What you’ll do

Own the order flow

• Place and manage back‑to‑back orders, ensuring swift, accurate progression from purchase to delivery.
• Keep system data current using supplier order books; chase overdue acknowledgements and late orders.

Drive supplier and logistics excellence

• Attend—and occasionally lead—supplier meetings; resolve order issues and help close out rejects.
• Proactively reschedule orders and push back early deliveries where needed.
• Make daily, cost‑effective shipping decisions and occasionally arrange collections.

Champion process, KPIs & reviews

• Maintain up‑to‑date back‑to‑back process documentation and KPIs.
• Lead monthly purchasing and sales reviews, bringing insight and action.
• Support pro‑forma payments and supplier set‑up; complete occasional sourcing to identify alternative supply and cost savings.

Collaborate to win

• Build positive cross‑functional relationships through regular, transparent communication.
• Work closely with Commodity Buyers to monitor part trends and recommend stocking changes.

Requirements

• A natural alignment with our ACE values — Agility, Collaboration and Empathy — shown in the way you work with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
• Purchasing experience, or solid exposure to and understanding of the purchasing process.
• Confidence dealing directly with suppliers and/or customers, building rapport and solving problems quickly.
• A well‑organised, self‑motivated approach. You'll be someone who takes ownership and enjoys getting things done.
• A truly proactive mindset: you spot issues early, ask the right questions, and take action without being prompted.
• A genuine willingness to learn, adapt and grow with the role.
• The ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment where priorities can change and speed matters.
• Strong communication skills. You'll be clear, confident and professional.
• Good computer literacy, including solid Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• A driving licence is preferred but not essential due to the location of our office.

Other information

We welcome and encourage applications from all candidates and are happy to discuss any adjustments you may need at any stage of the recruitment process. Please contact us to let us know how we can support you.

Benefits

• 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
• Yearly Bonus Scheme (role applicable)
• Pension Scheme
• One day working from home after probation (role applicable)
• Free ParkingRegular Social & Sporting Events
• DIGICARE App – Access to digital health and wellbeing support
• Regular lunches and treats for hitting targets
• Branded clothing
• Free tea, coffee, soft drinks, fruit, and Huel
• Games room for breaks and downtime