Senior Buyer – Procurement

We are partnering with a leading UK manufacturer to appoint a Senior Buyer to join their Procurement function. This role will manage a portfolio of direct production suppliers, ensuring the business is supported with competitive, reliable, and compliant sourcing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end‑to‑end procurement activities including RFQs, supplier selection, purchase orders, contract drafting, and negotiation.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, conducting reviews, monitoring KPIs, and resolving performance issues.
• Support risk management across the supply base, including regulatory considerations (e.g., REACH, import/export compliance).
• Produce regular data and reporting packs for procurement metrics.
• Lead supplier onboarding processes and manage NDAs and supply agreements in line with internal procedures.
• Identify and deliver cost‑saving opportunities, reporting against monthly and annual targets.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Operations, Finance, and Sales, ensuring procurement activity underpins bids and project delivery.
• Support adherence to internal QMS processes and work effectively using the company’s ERP system.

Experience & Skills Required

• CIPS Level 4 qualification or 5+ years’ experience in a similar procurement role.
• Strong commercial, contractual, and negotiation skills with proven experience operating at a strategic level.
• Confident user of ERP systems (SAP, Tropos, or similar).
• Excellent organisational, numerical, and administrative capabilities.
• Skilled communicator able to engage and influence stakeholders and suppliers at all levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience managing projects and working to defined deadlines.

Desirable

• Background in manufacturing or engineering environments.
• Exposure to defence or highly regulated industries.
• Understanding of REACH, export control regulations, or EN9100 standards.
• Project management training or certification.