Overview
Senior Buyer (Manufacturing & Defence)
Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Office Based: Monday to Thursday 8am to 4:30pm, Friday 8am to 1pm
Salary: £36,000 - £52,000
The Opportunity
A specialist engineering and manufacturing organisation, operating in a highly regulated and technically complex environment, is seeking a Senior Buyer to support direct and production procurement across a diverse supplier portfolio.
This is a strategic procurement role, offering ownership of key suppliers, involvement in contract negotiation, risk management and cost-reduction initiatives, and exposure to major programmes, bids and CAPEX projects.
The role would suit an experienced Senior Buyer who enjoys operating at both strategic and operational level, within manufacturing or defence-aligned environments.
The organisation designs, manufactures and supports advanced engineered products for UK and international customers. Operating to EN9100 and robust quality management standards, the business places strong emphasis on governance, supplier performance and long-term partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a portfolio of direct / production suppliers, delivering robust procurement solutions
* Lead supplier sourcing, RFQs, pricing negotiations and contract agreements
* Place and manage purchase orders using an ERP system
* Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, conducting supplier reviews and performance management using KPIs
* Actively identify, manage and mitigate commercial and supply-chain risk, including regulatory risk
* Draft, negotiate and manage NDAs and supplier agreements in line with business processes
* Deliver cost-reduction and value-improvement initiatives, reporting savings against annual targets
* Provide procurement support to bid and programme activity, ensuring supplier quotations are robust and compliant
* Produce procurement data and analysis for monthly reporting and metrics packs
* Support invoice and commercial issue resolution in collaboration with Finance
* Visit suppliers as required and represent the business professionally
* Ensure all activity aligns with QMS, governance and compliance requirements
Requirements
Essential:
* CIPS Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience (5+ years in a senior procurement role)
* Proven experience as a Senior Buyer or Procurement Specialist
* Strong background in direct / production procurement
* Demonstrable experience in contract drafting and negotiation
* Solid commercial and financial understanding
* Experience working with ERP systems (SAP, Tropos or similar)
* Confident stakeholder manager with excellent communication skills
Desirable:
* Manufacturing, engineering or defence industry experience
* Knowledge of EN9100 or regulated quality environments
* Understanding of REACH, import/export controls or export legislation
* Awareness of UK Government security classifications
* Project management training or qualification
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