Role Profile
Job Title:?Senior Buyer (Progression to Purchasing Manager)
Reporting To:?Managing Director / Head of Operations
Location: Redditch, Worcestershire
Salary: £45,000-£50,000
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Role Purpose
As Senior Buyer, the job holder will be responsible for managing and developing Thermex's procurement activities across a diverse global supply chain. This is a commercially focused and operationally strategic role with a clear development path into Purchasing / Procurement Manager within 12 months. The role supports the business's ongoing growth and systems transformation, including the implementation of a new ERP system.
Key Responsibilities
Take ownership of direct and indirect purchasing requirements to support production and new product development.
Lead supplier negotiations on cost, delivery, and quality, including international suppliers across China, Germany, Turkey, and Canada.
Develop and maintain the approved vendor list (AVL) and support the implementation of preferred supplier agreements.
Deliver against cost reduction targets
Manage an annual spend of approximately £4-5 million.
Contribute to dual sourcing strategies and mitigate risks associated with single-source suppliers.
Support supplier selection and validation in collaboration with engineering and quality teams.
Play an active role in the implementation and transition to the new Epicor ERP system, standardising purchasing processes and reducing reliance on spreadsheets.
Ensure procurement input into new project development and cross-functional initiatives, including close collaboration with planning, quality, engineering, finance and sales teams.
Maintain compliance with MOD requirements and broader sustainability and supplier risk management goals.
Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for cost-saving, quality improvement, or supply continuity.
Represent the business in international supplier visits as required (China travel anticipated).
Qualification and Skills
Formal Qualifications
Essential
A-levels or equivalent professional experience
CIPS qualification or progress towards (desirable but not essential)
Specific Skills
Essential
Strong background in purchasing/procurement within a manufacturing or engineering environment
Experience of global sourcing and working with international suppliers
Excellent commercial negotiation skills
Strong communication and stakeholder management ability across multiple departments
Good working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (Epicor experience advantageous)
High degree of computer literacy including Excel and procurement tools
Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
Desirable
Exposure to purchasing commodities such as foundry castings, welded components, machined metals, and fabricated assemblies
Experience supporting new ERP implementations
Understanding of compliance and certification within regulated industries (e.g. MOD)
Other Requirements
Willing and able to travel internationally (China and Europe)
Full, clean UK driving licence
Shorter notice period preferred
Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included