Senior Buyer
Salary: £35,000-£50,000
Location: Office-based in Basingstoke with regular supplier site visits
About the Role
We’re looking for a proactive and commercially driven Senior Buyer to take a leading role in managing procurement across a diverse and technically interesting product range.
This position is central to ensuring a reliable supply of goods and services while driving improvements in supplier performance, cost efficiency, and quality. You’ll take ownership of supplier management—from onboarding and contract negotiation through to performance monitoring and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers to support business objectives.
Lead negotiations to achieve the best commercial outcomes and drive improvements in cost, quality, and delivery.
Conduct regular supplier reviews and audits to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Identify and mitigate supplier risks, ensuring supply chain resilience and continuity.
Source, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to strengthen and diversify the supply base.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to manage supply issues and ensure timely resolution.
Implement and monitor procurement strategies that align with business priorities.
Analyse market trends and supplier performance to inform purchasing decisions.
Contribute to process improvements within the procurement and supply chain functions.
Support wider business projects and change initiatives as required.
Key Skills & Experience
Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
Proven experience within a procurement or supply chain role, ideally in a manufacturing or technical environment.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Good understanding of procurement best practice and commercial principles.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel); experience with ERP systems such as SAP is an advantage.
Ability to analyse data and make informed, commercially sound decisions.
Behavioural Qualities
Self-motivated and proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset.
Honest, open, and professional in all interactions.
Resilient, pragmatic, and confident under pressure.
Collaborative and solutions-focused, with strong influencing skills.
Demonstrates initiative and accountability in managing workload and priorities