I am seeking an experienced Strategic Senior Buyer to join a leading manufacturing business in a newly created role! This is a strategic, supplier-facing procurement position focused on delivering long-term value, managing risk, and developing strong supplier partnerships — not transactional purchasing.

You’ll take ownership of key commodity areas and manage a spend of approximately £4–8 million, working closely with UK and Far East suppliers to support production, new product introduction, and cost improvement initiatives.

Senior Strategic Buyer
Permanent
Competitive Salary on Offer
Mon–Thurs 8:00–16:45, Fri 8:00–13:00
Andover

Senior Strategic Buyer
Key Responsibilities

• Own 2–3 commodity areas with up to 10 critical suppliers
• Manage supplier relationships to deliver best overall acquisition cost
• Lead RFQs, negotiations, and contractual agreements
• Drive cost reduction through supplier collaboration, material changes, and redesign
• Support new product introduction and supplier selection
• Manage Far East sourcing, logistics, and shipping into the UK manufacturing site
• Conduct supplier risk assessments and financial evaluations
• Lead make vs buy decisions and present business cases to stakeholders
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
• Ensure accurate MRP data including lead times, costs, and batch sizes

Senior Strategic Buyer
Essential Experience/Skills/Qualifications

• Direct procurement / strategic buying experience
• Background in manufacturing, automotive, food, engineering or similar
• Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills
• Understanding of total cost of ownership and material liability
• Experience working with overseas suppliers (ideally Far East)
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive strategic decisions
• Quick learner who can operate with autonomy

Senior Strategic Buyer
Company Benefits

• 25 days + bank holidays
• Voluntary Activities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Rewards scheme
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Sports and Social Club
• CIPS investment