Job Title: Senior Buyer
Reports to: Procurement Manager
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
MUST HAVE THE RELEVANT RIGHT TO WORK STATUS ALREADY IN PLACE AS OUR CLIENT IS UNABLE TO OFFER SPONSORSHIP OR CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FROM CANDIDATES WHO ARE ONLY ON A DATE/TIME RESTRICTED VISA.
About the Role
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading local manufacturing and engineering company with a global customer base. This business supplies precision-engineered components for use across a wide range of industrial applications including chemical, energy, power generation, and more.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to step into a senior role and support the Procurement Manager by leading a team, driving efficiencies, and ensuring supply chain performance and quality.
Scope of the Role
The Senior Buyer will:
* Provide leadership to the procurement team, encouraging collaboration and best practices.
* Coordinate daily team tasks and priorities.
* Ensure team members are supported with training and aligned with departmental goals.
* Deliver relevant procurement data, maintain metrics, and monitor supplier performance.
* Support supplier relationship management and continuous improvement efforts.
* Drive purchasing decisions that support best value, cost efficiency, and inventory control.
* Deputise for the Procurement Manager when required.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee procurement operations in the absence of the Procurement Manager.
* Ensure effective communication across internal and external stakeholders.
* Source and evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, place orders, and manage international freight when required.
* Issue RFQs and select sources based on cost, quality, and delivery targets.
* Collaborate with project teams and suppliers to meet pricing and delivery expectations.
* Review technical specifications to ensure compliance with customer and project requirements.
* Attend and contribute to internal contract review meetings.
* Act as the main point of contact for purchasing-related communications and project risks.
* Lead internal and external meetings to maintain project alignment.
* Identify and assess outsourcing opportunities and make recommendations.
* Investigate and recommend potential new suppliers or alternative products.
* Manage supplier non-conformances and coordinate corrective actions.
* Handle invoice queries and reconciliation.
* Produce and maintain procurement performance metrics.
* Maintain accurate MRP system data, including stock statuses and lead times.
* Support supply chain risk mitigation and supplier performance reviews.
* Participate in company-wide quality improvement and cost-saving initiatives.
Skills & Experience
* Previous experience in a procurement role within a manufacturing or engineering environment is essential.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills at all levels.
* Ability to lead discussions, make decisions within company guidelines, and take ownership of outcomes.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills.
* Experience sourcing pumps, motors, instrumentation, and technical components is desirable.
* Knowledge of J.D. Edwards (OneWorld XE) or other ERP systems is beneficial.
* CIPS accreditation or equivalent professional procurement qualification is advantageous.
* Understanding of Lean or Six Sigma methodologies is desirable.
* Must be a strong team player with energy, drive, and a proactive mindset.
* Some domestic and international travel to suppliers may be required (approx. 5%).
Note: This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve in line with business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr