S. Norton and Company Limited

Job title: Buyer

Location: London 

Hours: 43.75 hours (7.45 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday) 

Salary: Competitive

Overview of the company and role:  

This is a field based pro-active business development role, reporting into the Commercial Department with responsibilities for the London region.   The postholder will be required to identify new areas of business, develop new and existing business and work collaboratively with other members of the Commercial Team and Group functions to meet and exceed all relevant targets.  

Key duties/responsibilities:

Business Development and Management

  • Build, maintain and develop relationships with existing customers via telephone, email and regular site visits.
  • Identify new target markets and customers including, but not limited to, the construction/demolition industry, the service sector, manufacturing sector, automotive dismantlers and dealers/merchants.
  • Develop and execute, review and update action plans, goals and objectives for existing and potential markets and customers to maximise potential opportunities, in conjunction with your Line Manager.

Pricing

  • Keep abreast of current metal prices from all available sources including supplier, competitors and journals, feeding these back to colleagues as directed by your Line Manager.  Keep abreast of current metal prices and haulage costs from all available sources including supplier, competitors and journals, feeding these back to colleagues as directed by your Line Manager.
  • Manage the pricing of standard materials from your suppliers, ensuring that the pricing you offer reflects the quality of the product, being mindful of current material prices and market forces in play at any given time.
  • Assist colleagues on tenders for supply of metal including, but not limited to, those linked to Metal Bulletin grade prices.
  • Manage the pricing and purchases of non-standard materials as directed by your Line Manager.
  • Maintain all documentation relating to a contract before, during and on completion of each assignment/project.

Reporting and Communication

  • Use RECY/Tegossuite, CRM and Outlook mail, calendar and other Office 365 apps to improve productivity and efficiency within the metal buying operation. This includes the input and maintenance of supplier details, contracts, orders and price files on core systems to ensure accurate and real-time information.
  • Attend regular Buying Team meetings, contributing fully on all agenda items.
  • Review action plans against relevant objectives, goals and targets, with your Line Manager on field visits and at business review meetings on a regular basis as required.
  • Communicate fully with all relevant personnel on any new or existing service requirements.
  • Carry out a formal business review of your area of responsibility during your annual appraisal.
  • Liaise in a timely manner with your colleagues and your Line Manager on all matters involving new or existing business.

Haulage

  • Identify potential hauliers to support our own fleet of vehicles in your given area.
  • Liaise with the Group Transport Manager or sub-contract hauliers to ensure sufficient resources and capacity are available to support existing, new or expanded contracts.
  • Promote and develop our skip service to your customer base, liaising with the Transport Department to ensure an effective delivery of this service.

Personal Development

  • Discuss, agree and document business and personal development goals with your Line Manager.
  • Attend and participate in training as and when required.

General

  • Foster excellent working relationships with colleagues and customers.
  • Deputise for colleagues, as and when required by your Line Manager, to ensure business continuity.
  • Carry out any additional duties that may be reasonably requested from time to time.
  • Comply with Company policies and procedures as defined in the Employee Handbook and the post holder’s terms and particulars of employment.

Key Competencies

  • Excellent people skills and the ability to develop good working relationships with suppliers, colleagues and customers.
  • Proven business development skills.
  • Professional in all aspects of work including, but not limited to, dress code, conversations with customers, social events, networking and with likewise professionals.
  • Excellent time management and organisational skills.
  • The ability to work on your own initiative, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Capable of identifying new business opportunities and negotiating contract terms.
  • Clear effective communicator; in person, in writing and on the telephone.

Essential skills

  • Previous experience of working in scrap metal recycling.
  • Proven track record of working in a comparable role.
  • The ability to identify new business opportunities and capitalise on them.
  • The ability to deliver verbal and written reports to senior managers.
  • Educated to A level or equivalent standard.
  • IT literate with the ability to use a range of packages applicable to the role.
  • Full, clean driving license.

Desirable Skills

  • A working understanding of quality and environmental requirements within the metal recycling industry.
  • Educated to degree level or equivalent.
  • Qualification in business marketing or another related subject.
  • Relative experience in environmental controls applicable to metal recycling and other associated processes.

Benefits include

  • Company Vehicle
  • Company Pension Scheme, including Death in Service Benefit 
  • 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
  • Free parking on site
  • Private Healthcare (on successful passing of probationary)

Closing date:  31st July 2025

Contact:  Julie Holden, Group HR Manager ([email protected])