Job Description
I am seeking an experienced Strategic Senior Buyer to join a leading manufacturing business in a newly created role! This is a strategic, supplier-facing procurement position focused on delivering long-term value, managing risk, and developing strong supplier partnerships - not transactional purchasing. You'll take ownership of key commodity areas and manage a spend of approximately £4-8 million, working closely with UK and Far East suppliers to support production, new product introduction, and cost improvement initiatives.Senior Strategic BuyerPermanentCompetitive Salary on OfferMon-Thurs 8:00-16:45, Fri 8:00-13:00AndoverSenior Strategic BuyerKey Responsibilities
- Own 2-3 commodity areas with up to 10 critical suppliers
- Manage supplier relationships to deliver best overall acquisition cost
- Lead RFQs, negotiations, and contractual agreements
- Drive cost reduction through supplier collaboration, material changes, and redesign
- Support new product introduction and supplier selection
- Manage Far East sourcing, logistics, and shipping into the UK manufacturing site
- Conduct supplier risk assessments and financial evaluations
- Lead make vs buy decisions and present business cases to stakeholders
- Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
- Ensure accurate MRP data including lead times, costs, and batch sizes
- Direct procurement / strategic buying experience
- Background in manufacturing, automotive, food, engineering or similar
- Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills
- Understanding of total cost of ownership and material liability
- Experience working with overseas suppliers (ideally Far East)
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive strategic decisions
- Quick learner who can operate with autonomy
- 25 days + bank holidays
- Voluntary Activities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Rewards scheme
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Sports and Social Club
- CIPS investment
About Owen Daniels