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 Buyer
Permanent
Competitive Salary on Offer
Mon–Thurs 8:00–16:45, Fri 8:00–13:00
Andover
Senior Strategic Buyer
Key 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
Senior Strategic Buyer
Essential Experience/Skills/Qualifications
* 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
Senior Strategic Buyer
Company Benefits
* 25 days + bank holidays
* Voluntary Activities
* Cycle to work scheme
* Rewards scheme
* Learning and Development Opportunities
* Sports and Social Club
* CIPS investment