Role Purpose: Joining the Purchasing team and reporting to the Supply Chain Team Leader, the Buyer will be responsible for executing the supply chain strategy, developing and driving strong risk mitigated supply partnerships, to ensure the delivery of quality products and services on plan, at the lowest cost of ownership. Opportunities for learning and development within the role to progress within the team. Key Responsibilities: Manage the procurement activities for an engineering-based supplier portfolio. Develop and drive strong supply partnerships identifying opportunities to climb the value chain and maximise value add to deliver a high performing agile supply chain network. Drive a culture of continuous improvement in all that we do. Executing regular business reviews, examining performance, and setting improvement goals to meet functional objectives. Perform regular risk assessments and supplier audits, validating suppliers and their investments to ensure that our combined business directions remain convergent. Deploy problem solving techniques to drive a step change in supplier performance and resolve issues at a root cause level. Identify and develop new supply sources capable of meeting our demanding specifications and commercial needs. Facilitate the introduction of new parts, adapting the supply chain to support emerging needs. Prepare Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Quotation (RFQ) documentation. Execute change, managing the process of engagement, disengagement and change management. Skills & Experience Essential Strong analytically with good IT skills and a working knowledge of using MRP/ERP systems. Previous experience in a similar role dealing with engineering manufacturers and an understanding of supply chain processes within the manufacturing sector. Desirable Experienced in technical, engineering and machined part buying with the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and understand associated manufacturing processes is strongly desired. Experience of working within integrated project management teams. Knowledge of forming and constructing contracts and NDAs for new suppliers is highly desirable. Working towards CIPS level 4 or above. Opportunities for support with further qualifications are available. Personal Attributes Demonstrates our company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage. A team player able to liaise and work collaboratively cross functionally. Excellent communication, interpersonal and written skills. Good negotiation skills to work with suppliers and make challenges to suppliers where appropriate to achieve the best price outcome. An analytical mindset to review data and use it to assist in making informed decisions and aid the negotiation process. Organised, with a high attention to detail. Proactive, able to plan, organise, execute, and monitor performance across the supply chain, driving for results. Resilient, agile, and adaptable to changing priorities. Able to operate under pressure, multitask and deliver to exacting timescales. Work life balance: 37.5 hour working week Lunchtime finishes on a Friday Office based role with elements of flexibility to work from home where appropriate 28 days annual leave Christmas closure Holiday purchasing scheme Benefits: Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5% Income protection scheme and Employee Assistance Programme Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing Regular sports and social activities Gym membership discounts Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings). Recruitment referral bonus scheme Excellent learning & development opportunities Great working environment with free, onsite car parking across all our locations Security Clearance Requirements: Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.