Senior Buyer – Direct Procurement
We are working with a leading organisation seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join their Procurement function, supporting Direct Operations / Production procurement activity.
This is a high-impact role where you will take ownership of end-to-end sourcing, supplier management, and commercial negotiations across critical spend areas that directly support operational delivery.
The role is based on a hybrid model with 2 days per week in the office (Tuesday & Thursday team days). (12 month contract paying £35hr.)
The Role
As Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for delivering the full procurement lifecycle across direct categories, ensuring value, continuity of supply, and strong supplier performance.
You will manage complex sourcing activity with limited supervision, acting as a key commercial partner to operational and internal stakeholders.
Key responsibilities
* include:
* Leading end-to-end sourcing activity including RFQ, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award
* Managing direct procurement requirements supporting production / operational needs
* Delivering measurable cost savings and commercial value through negotiation and supplier optimisation
* Managing supplier relationships, performance, and escalation processes
* Owning contract administration including terms, compliance, and ongoing governance
* Developing procurement strategies aligned to category and business requirements
* Engaging with stakeholders across operations, finance, and technical teams to align procurement activity
* Driving process efficiency and continuous improvement across procurement activity
* Conducting market and supplier analysis to support sourcing
Decisions
About You
We are looking for a commercially focused procurement professional who is confident operating in a complex, fast-paced environment. You will bring:
* Proven experience in procurement / senior buying roles, ideally within direct or operational procurement
* Strong negotiation and contract management capability
* Track record of delivering cost savings and supplier value improvements
* Experience managing supplier performance and resolving commercial issues
* Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
* Ability to manage multiple complex sourcing activities independently
* Good understanding of category management and procurement best practice
You will be comfortable operating with autonomy while managing competing priorities and stakeholder expectation
Why Apply?
* Opportunity to work within a critical direct procurement environment
* High level of ownership across sourcing and supplier management
* Exposure to complex, commercially significant procurement activity
* Strong stakeholder engagement across operational teams
* Hybrid working with structured team office days (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
* Autonomy to lead procurement activity with minimal oversight