At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for defence manufacturing.
- Company: Established engineering firm with over a century of excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, regulated environment while driving cost savings.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within engineering or manufacturing sectors is essential.
An established engineering and manufacturing organisation with over a century of technical excellence is seeking a Senior Buyer to support major defence manufacturing programmes. This role will lead key procurement categories, develop strategic supplier partnerships across the UK and Europe, and ensure the delivery of technically compliant materials and services to demanding production schedules.
Who This Role Would Suit
This opportunity would suit an experienced procurement professional with a background in engineering or manufacturing environments. It is ideal for someone commercially astute, highly organised and confident managing supplier relationships at a strategic level. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, regulated environment and be motivated by delivering cost savings, supply chain resilience and programme success.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver procurement strategies for high-value materials and critical UK and European suppliers.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activity, including RFIs, RFQs, supplier evaluation and contract award.
- Indirect purchasing of services.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, driving performance, quality and on-time delivery.
- Negotiate pricing, lead times and commercial terms to achieve cost savings and budget alignment.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, resolving technical, quality and delivery issues in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Buyer within Engineering/Manufacturing.
- Experience within a highly regulated sector, preferably Heavy Manufacturing, MOD / Defence or similar.
- Strong work ethic and resilient attitude towards challenges.
Location Stockport
Contract Permanent, Full Time with Flexible working hours & Hybrid working
Working Hours 08:00-16:30 (Mon-Thurs), 08:00-13:00 (Fri)
Salary 45k - 50k (dependent on experience)
Benefits 7% Pension Contributions, 4% from candidate, 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays.
Senior Buyer employer: 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS
Join a prestigious engineering and manufacturing organisation with over a century of technical excellence, where your expertise as a Senior Buyer will be valued in supporting major defence programmes. Enjoy a flexible working environment in Stockport, with opportunities for professional growth, a strong focus on supplier relationship management, and a commitment to delivering cost savings and supply chain resilience. With competitive benefits including generous pension contributions and ample holiday, this is an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS.
How to prepare for a job interview at 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into 2M EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS's culture.
