Senior Buyer Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (hybrid working) We are looking for a Senior Buyer to join our team and take ownership of key spend categories, ensuring the cost, quality and delivery of goods and services meet our operational and strategic needs. In this role, you’ll oversee the full procurement cycle - working cross‑functionally to shape category strategies, negotiate competitive agreements, and drive continuous improvement across our supply base. Key Responsibilities Strategic Category Management Owning assigned spend categories and managing all related suppliers. Taking a holistic approach to category performance, including pricing, delivery, quality, responsiveness, and supplier utilisation. Developing long‑term sourcing strategies and tactical implementation plans. Operational Procurement Excellence Managing the full procurement lifecycle—from need identification to contract and supplier relationship management. Ensuring continuity of supply and mitigating supply chain risks. Leading cost reduction, cost control and value‑improvement initiatives. Driving prompt resolution of supplier non‑quality costs. Collaborating with Central GSC Procurement and Purchasing teams across all operating companies to support global commodity strategies. Presenting fact‑based analysis and recommendations to management for decision-making. Supplier & Contract Management Leading commercial negotiations to deliver performance improvements. Ensuring supplier agreements align with business values, objectives, and sustainability requirements. Developing a strong, reliable and long‑term supply base. Managing supplier performance, financial stability, and issue resolution. Overseeing contract drafting, implementation and ongoing management. Working closely with accounting teams to ensure timely payment of suppliers. Continuous Improvement Supporting the development and enhancement of procurement tools, systems and processes. Leading and influencing change across the supply chain. Contributing to New Product Introduction and bespoke goods development. This role requires national and international travel to suppliers. Experience Required Strong background in supplier and commodity management within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Experience procuring both direct and indirect goods and services. Proven capability managing budgets and cost‑control processes. Full lifecycle Capital Expenditure (CapEx) procurement experience. Supply base risk management and mitigation. Experience supporting New Product Introduction / Development. Proficiency working with ERP systems and data management tools. Demonstrated ability to implement change across the supply chain. Project management experience. Qualifications & Knowledge Specialist knowledge of purchasing systems and processes. Degree or equivalent in Procurement, Engineering, Business, or related discipline. Experience in supplier assessment, development and management. Strong understanding of competitive tendering and commercial processes. Knowledge of legal aspects of procurement, contract drafting and contract management. Experience managing both CapEx and overhead spend. Valid driving licence. Membership of a recognised global procurement body (e.g., CIPS or ISM), or working towards professional qualification. Skills & Competencies Excellent negotiation skills. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint). Highly analytical with strong attention to detail. Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing skills. Confident presenting data and recommendations to management. Flexible, adaptable, proactive and solutions-focused with a calm approach under pressure. Strong teamwork and ability to build effective business relationships. The Steam Thermal Solutions business is one of three businesses within Spirax Group. Spirax Sarco and Gestra, are our two brands that form Steam Thermal Solutions and are global leaders in the supply of engineered solutions for the design, provision and maintenance of efficient industrial and commercial steam systems. Steam Thermal Solutions has global coverage across 67 operating units (called OpCos), organised into four Divisions: EMEA, APAC, Americas, Gestra. Spirax Group is a FTSE100 and FTSE4Good multi-national industrial engineering Group with expertise in the control and management of steam, electric thermal solutions, peristaltic pumping and associated fluid technologies. Our Purpose is to create sustainable value for all our stakeholders as we engineer a more efficient, safer and sustainable world. Our technologies play an essential role in critical industrial processes and industrial equipment across industries as diverse as Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology, Power Generation, Semiconductors and Healthcare. With customers in 165 countries, we provide the solutions that sit behind the production of many items used in daily life, from baked beans to mobile phones! Our Purpose, supported by our inclusive culture and Values, unites us, guides our decisions and inspires us everywhere that we operate. We support our colleagues to make their difference for each other as well as customers, communities, suppliers, our planet and shareholders by creating a truly equitable working environment where everyone feels included. Benefits You will receive a competitive salary (and a discretionary bonus), flexible working and excellent benefits including 27 days holiday allowance (before bank holidays), 3 days’ paid volunteering leave, comprehensive private healthcare, enhanced pension plan, life assurance, optional participation in a Share Ownership Plan, free onsite parking, flexible benefits, and access to a personal discounts’ portal. We also offer a range of additional support and benefits through our Everyone is Included Group Inclusion Plan, detailed below. Everyone is Included at Spirax Group We are passionate about creating inclusive and equitable working cultures where everyone can be themselves and achieve their full potential. For us, that means supportive teams and strong relationships where everyone’s contribution is valued - across social and cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, genders, gender identities, abilities, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and everything else that makes us human and unique. We want everyone to be able to make their difference here, so we will always consider requests for flexible working. We know that everyone needs some extra help from time to time too, so we have introduced a range of additional benefits through our Group Inclusion Commitments. These include gender-neutral parental leave, 15 days of extra paid caregiver leave, paid time off and support for anyone experiencing pregnancy loss or domestic abuse, menopause-friendly workplace principles and more. Learn more at https://www.spiraxgroup.com/en/life-at-spirax/our-inclusive-group/our-inclusion-commitments. We are also a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like to apply using this scheme, please select this option in our application form or notify our recruitment partners.