Job Description
Lead Buyer
Cambourne, UK | 37 Hours per Week
Carl Zeiss Microscopy is seeking an experienced Lead Buyer to join its Supply Chain team in Cambourne. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a global organisation renowned for its high-technology systems and innovation.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a dedicated commodity area and developing global procurement strategies across multiple ZEISS sites in the UK and Germany. This role plays a key part in ensuring supply security, managing supplier relationships, and supporting the delivery of complex, high-technology products.
The Role
As a Lead Buyer, you will work closely with colleagues across Supply Chain, R&D, NPI and Production to manage supplier performance, drive innovation and ensure the resilience of the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement cross-site commodity strategies across ZEISS locations in the UK and Germany
* Conduct global procurement market analysis and identify suitable suppliers
* Select, qualify and manage suppliers in collaboration with production teams
* Ensure supply security by monitoring risks and maintaining a resilient supply chain
* Identify and onboard new suppliers to drive innovation and competitiveness
* Lead contract negotiations with national and international suppliers
* Manage pricing benchmarks and cost negotiations to achieve savings targets
* Collaborate with operational purchasing, strategic purchasing and NPI teams
* Support the development of standardised supply chain processes, KPIs and IT tools
About You
We are looking for a commercially minded professional with strong analytical and negotiation skills who thrives in a collaborative, international environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Strong technical knowledge within your assigned commodity area
* Experience purchasing electronics and cables
* Experience working with complex or high-technology products
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Strong negotiation skills, including experience with international contracts
* Analytical and structured approach to problem solving
* Ability to develop and implement innovative supply chain solutions
* Proficiency with SAP (particularly MM modules) and Microsoft Office
* Ability to manage and analyse large data sets and present key insights
Qualifications
* 5+ years’ experience in international supply chain management or procurement
* Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience)
* Fluent English (German language skills are advantageous)
Additional Information
* Location: ZEISS House, Cambourne, UK
* Travel: Occasional travel to Germany and supplier locations (up to 20%)
* Hours: 37 hours per week
* Salary: Competitive Salary
* Benefits: Standard ZEISS Ltd benefits package including discretionary annual bonus
Apply!