Cubed Talent are proud to be recruiting a Senior Strategic Buyer for a leading, advanced manufacturing organisation specialising in complex, precision-engineered machine tools. This is a pivotal role focused on building a resilient supply chain, ensuring exceptional supplier quality, and maintaining strict compliance within a regulated, high-accuracy engineering environment. If you thrive in strategic procurement, enjoy assessing and managing supplier risk, and excel in environments where quality is non-negotiable—you’ll feel right at home. The Opportunity As Senior Strategic Buyer, you will take ownership of sourcing high-value components and specialist engineered services, using your technical knowledge and commercial expertise to secure reliable, compliant, future-proof supply arrangements. You’ll be the voice of supplier quality and risk management, driving standards, challenging suppliers, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, and safeguarding operations through robust, well-structured contracts. This role is central to maintaining continuity of supply within a precision manufacturing setting, ensuring every part meets the exacting standards required. Key Responsibilities Supplier Compliance & Risk – Core Focus * Lead supplier audits, evaluations, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure adherence to ISO / AS9100 and other regulatory or customer standards. * Ensure all supplier contracts meet legal, regulatory and company compliance requirements. * Develop and implement risk-based sourcing strategies, identifying supply chain vulnerabilities and delivering clear mitigation plans. * Monitor supplier KPIs and drive continuous improvement around quality, delivery, and cost performance. * Escalate quality concerns with a structured, proactive approach, safeguarding continuity and reducing operational disruption. Strategic Procurement * Create and implement category strategies for key materials, components, and services. * Conduct detailed market research to identify new supply opportunities and strengthen the supplier base. * Manage tendering processes, supplier selection and contract award decisions. * Build strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers through structured SRM and regular review meetings. * Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality and Finance to align procurement decisions with technical specifications and business goals. Operational Excellence * Ensure procurement activities reflect best value by balancing cost, quality and delivery. * Support cross-functional collaboration to raise the profile of procurement across the organisation. * Promote ethical business behaviour and uphold the highest standards of integrity. * Provide cover for the Sourcing Manager and other senior team members when required. What You’ll Bring * Proven experience in strategic supplier management and category management. * Strong understanding of contract law, compliance frameworks, and supplier governance. * Technical appreciation, including ability to interpret engineering drawings and quality standards. * Experience within precision, engineering or manufacturing environments (ISO, AS9100, or similar). * Strong negotiation, influencing and communication skills at all business levels. * Resilient, organised and solution-focused, with a proactive approach to problem-solving. * Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering or Business (CIPS or equivalent preferred). * Comfortable using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or Oracle. Why Apply? This is a rare opportunity to influence the quality and resilience of a supply chain at the heart of advanced engineering. You’ll enjoy an environment that values technical expertise, encourages strategic thinking and trusts you to make significant, meaningful decisions. Alongside a competitive salary of circa £50k and an annual bonus of up to 15% of salary, you’ll benefit from: 33 days annual leave Flexible working hours Bupa health insurance & health cash plan Enhanced pension Life assurance Ready to strengthen the future of precision manufacturing? Apply now via Cubed Talent or contact our Jess for a confidential conversation on (phone number removed)