Junior Buyer

Location: G&H, Ilminster

Reporting To: Purchasing Lead

Contract term: Fixed term contract until end of September 2026

ABOUT US

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.

Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of its acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognised as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.

Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.

Role Purpose

To support the sourcing of direct and indirect materials at the required quality, ensuring timely delivery and competitive cost, from new programme launch through to steady-state production.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure direct materials in line with operational requirements and MRP outputs 
• Maintain accurate part and procurement parameters within MRP/ERP systems (lead times, safety stock, yields, etc.) 
• Ensure all purchase orders and amendments are current and accurate in the system 
• Support tender processes for new requirements, including supplier selection and commercial negotiations 
• Develop and maintain strong, proactive supplier relationships 
• Manage inventory levels in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to meet business and lifecycle needs 
• Identify and support implementation of cost reduction initiatives 
• Monitor procurement KPIs (OTIF, Quality, PPV) and provide regular reporting with action plans 
• Build effective internal relationships to resolve purchasing issues and support business needs 
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and supply chain processes 
• Support implementation of new tools, systems, and procedures across the group 

Mandatory Responsibilities

• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and management systems 
• Adhere to legal and internal standards for Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality compliance 
• Promote a culture of mutual respect and professionalism with colleagues and contractors 
• Demonstrate company values: Customer Focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, Precision 

Performance Measures (KPIs)

• Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD) 
• Supplier Quality Performance (PPM or equivalent) 
• Purchase Price Variance (PPV) 
• Inventory Management effectiveness 
• Cost reduction and risk mitigation achievements 
• Successful on-time product/programme launches

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications & Experience

• Willingness to work towards CIPS qualification (study support available) 

Personal Attributes

• Driven and determined with a results-oriented mindset 
• Strong communication skills, able to engage effectively at all levels 
• Positive attitude toward continuous improvement 
• High level of accountability and ownership 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Customer-focused approach 
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a team

WHY JOIN US

• Competitive salary, based on experience.
• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company pension (6% contribution).
• Performance-based company bonus scheme.
• Health Cash Plan.
• £500 referral bonus for successful employee referrals

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions.  These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.

All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years