Senior Strategic Buyer

Job Title: Senior Strategic Buyer

Location: Shipley / Leeds (frequent UK travel + occasional international)

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000

Job Type: Permanent

We’re seeking a Senior Strategic Buyer to lead procurement activity for high-value, precision-engineered components and specialist services within a regulated, technically complex manufacturing environment. This is a critical role focused on ensuring continuity of supply, contractual strength, and long-term value for advanced production operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for complex components and services
• Deliver value through balanced cost, quality, and delivery approaches
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers aligned to quality and commercial objectives
• Manage key supplier relationships, host review meetings, and drive performance
• Draft, review, and negotiate supplier contracts to ensure legal and regulatory compliance
• Conduct market research and track emerging sourcing opportunities
• Implement and manage category strategies aligned with procurement objectives
• Build and secure a robust supply chain to support short and long-term business needs
• Lead tenders, supplier selection, and contract award activities
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance to align on requirements
• Apply structured risk management across critical spend areas
• Monitor and improve supplier performance using KPI data and feedback loops
• Resolve issues with delivery, quality, or cost through active supplier engagement
• Champion sourcing within the wider business to improve cross-functional collaboration
• Support contract implementation to protect commercial interests and supply continuity
• Provide operational support and cover for peers and management when required
• Promote ethical procurement practices and professional integrity

Key Requirements

• 5+ years' experience in procurement within manufacturing or engineering
• Proven record of delivering cost reductions and supplier-led innovations
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, contract law, and supply chain risk
• Skilled in category management and supplier development
• Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret technical specifications
• Confident negotiator and influencer at all levels
• Commercially focused with a professional, solutions-driven mindset
• Excellent communication and cross-functional working skills
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business (CIPS desirable)
• ERP/MRP experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle) essential
• Organised, resilient, and methodical approach to procurement challenges
• Strong analytical skills and strategic thinking ability
• Able to travel frequently across the UK, with occasional international visits

Apply now to take ownership of key procurement activity in a high-tech, quality-focused manufacturing setting