Strategic Buyer

We’re working in partnership with a long-established and highly respected client in the engineering and environmental sector, who is looking to welcome a "Middle Management" Strategic Buyer to their growing team in Southampton. Our client is one of the few UK businesses that designs and manufactures its own industry-leading range of pumps, serving both hire and sales markets. Their products are trusted across the construction, water, and environmental industries thanks to a reputation for quality, reliability, and longevity built over more than 70 years. Now is a fantastic time to join this innovative business as they continue to expand. They are deeply committed to supporting the professional growth of their teams, offering clear career pathways, skill development, and ongoing training.

About the Role

As a Strategic Buyer, you will play a key role in shaping procurement strategy—focusing on achieving the best value through supplier performance, sourcing strategies, and long-term relationship management. You’ll also take the lead in mentoring and developing junior team members, making this a great opportunity for someone who enjoys supporting others and fostering talent or someone with experience team leading or managing junior staff members. This is a full-time, office-based role near Southampton, so we’re looking for someone who can be on-site 5 days a week.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage category strategies with a focus on logistics and transportation, both inbound and outbound.
• Mentor and guide junior purchasing team members through coaching and hands-on development.
• Work closely with operational buyers to maintain and improve supplier performance.
• Drive process improvements and contribute to wider supply chain efficiency initiatives.
• Monitor and update landed cost data to ensure accurate reporting.
• Conduct supplier negotiations and manage supplier audits to ensure best value and compliance.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to resolve any quality or commercial issues.
• Champion best practices across the purchasing function and support continuous improvement.
• Operate as a middle management colleague with 5 direct reports.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in strategic procurement, ideally within manufacturing, engineering, or distribution.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain, logistics, and inventory management.
• Passion for coaching and developing others, with prior leadership or mentoring experience.
• CIPS Level 4 (or working toward), plus relevant qualifications at A-Level or equivalent.
• Confident communicator with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities.
• Solid MS Office skills, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• UK driving licence required.
• Experience in automotive or aerospace sectors is a plus but not essential.

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus (annual and quarterly).
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with increases for long service.
• Private medical cash plan (including 24/7 GP access and discounts on health & fitness).
• Enhanced pension scheme based on total earnings.
• Life insurance (3x salary).
• Career development and training opportunities.
• Employee support and wellbeing programmes, including access to Mental Health First Aiders.
• Exclusive retail and leisure discounts.
• Generous employee referral scheme.

If you’re ready to step into a strategic, people-focused procurement role with a forward-thinking company that truly values its people, we’d love to hear from you.