Buyer (part time - 30 hours / 4 days per week)

Who We Are

IDS is a leading in-vitro diagnostic solution provider to the clinical laboratory market. We develop, manufacture and market innovative immunoassays and automated immunoanalyser technologies to provide improved diagnostic outcomes for patients.

IDS Boldon is the global IDS Headquarters occupying a single, multi-disciplined site.

The site focuses on the manufacture and distribution of manual Immunoassay products. On site Purchasing, Logistics, Production, Quality Control and Process Development departments manage the supply chain, supported by local Sales Support, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs and Finance departments. As Group Headquarters, IDS Boldon also houses all head office functions.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a proactive and commercially minded Buyer to take a leading role in driving strategic purchasing initiatives. Working closely with our Group Purchasing Manager, you’ll help shape and execute procurement strategies, build strong supplier partnerships, and champion cost-effective purchasing practices. This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of supplier negotiations, process improvement, and risk management—directly contributing to the success and efficiency of our purchasing operations.

In this dynmaic role, you will be responsible for:

Procurement Strategy

Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with overall business objectives.

Supplier Negotiation

Lead negotiations with key suppliers to secure favourable terms and deliver cost savings.

Supplier Relationship Management

Oversee supplier performance, ensuring quality, compliance, and alignment with company standards.

Spend Analysis

Analyse procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve process efficiency.

Market Research

Conduct market analysis to source new suppliers and explore alternative materials.

Supplier Agreements

Establish and manage long-term supply agreements with critical vendors to ensure continuity and value.

The ideal candidate will bring:

Qualifications

• CIPS qualification preferred but not essential.

• Degree in a relevant discipline or a minimum of 5+ years’ experience in purchasing.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.

• Experience with direct and indirect procurement

• Advanced negotiation and supplier management skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Knowledge of initiating and managing supply agreements with legal input.

• Proficiency in MRP/ERP systems, with Syteline experience preferred.

Experience

• Proven experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Background in medical devices and ISO13485 standards is advantageous but not essential.

• Strong track record in cost-saving initiatives and supplier development.

• Experience leading procurement projects and process improvements.

Our Values

• Embrace the unknown - every big idea starts with a bold, fundamental question: What If?
• Passion for people - our people are our greatest asset and fuel our success in service of humanity.
• Collaborate for success - we put team before self to achieve the unexpected with transparency, accountability and integrity.
• Partner with purpose - we inspire new paths with customers to accelerate positive outcomes.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays. In addition, we offer a holiday purchase scheme where employees can purchase a further 5 days.
• Enhanced private company pension, IDS contribute up to 5% of your annual salary.
• Should you wish to opt into private healthcare, IDS will pay 50% of your healthcare cover for either single or family plans.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Platform, providing you and your family with access to wellbeing resources and therapy, as well as retailer discounts.
• Life insurance at 2x your annual salary.
• Hybrid working
• Sports and social club - a subsidised membership scheme offering four fun activities each year (go-karting, abseiling, meals out, comedy club, cinema etc)
• Benefit from our Skillsoft learning and development platform, offering a wide range of modules to tailor your personal growth
• Free on-site parking
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Complementary tea, coffee, fruit and season treats

Diversity, equality and inclusion is really important to us and we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can truly be themselves and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to IDS.