At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier compliance and risk management in advanced manufacturing.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in precision-engineered machine tools.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days leave, flexible hours, health insurance, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain quality and resilience in engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic supplier management and a degree in Supply Chain or Engineering.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for strategic thinking and decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Cubed Talent are proud to be recruiting a Senior Strategic Buyer for a leading, advanced manufacturing organisation specialising in complex, precision-engineered machine tools. This is a pivotal role focused on building a resilient supply chain, ensuring exceptional supplier quality, and maintaining strict compliance within a regulated, high-accuracy engineering environment. If you thrive in strategic procurement, enjoy assessing and managing supplier risk, and excel in environments where quality is non-negotiable—you’ll feel right at home.
The Opportunity
As Senior Strategic Buyer, you will take ownership of sourcing high-value components and specialist engineered services, using your technical knowledge and commercial expertise to secure reliable, compliant, future-proof supply arrangements. You’ll be the voice of supplier quality and risk management, driving standards, challenging suppliers, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, and safeguarding operations through robust, well-structured contracts. This role is central to maintaining continuity of supply within a precision manufacturing setting, ensuring every part meets the exacting standards required.
Key Responsibilities
- Supplier Compliance & Risk – Core Focus
- Lead supplier audits, evaluations, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure adherence to ISO / AS9100 and other regulatory or customer standards.
- Ensure all supplier contracts meet legal, regulatory and company compliance requirements.
- Develop and implement risk-based sourcing strategies, identifying supply chain vulnerabilities and delivering clear mitigation plans.
- Monitor supplier KPIs and drive continuous improvement around quality, delivery, and cost performance.
- Escalate quality concerns with a structured, proactive approach, safeguarding continuity and reducing operational disruption.
- Create and implement category strategies for key materials, components, and services.
- Conduct detailed market research to identify new supply opportunities and strengthen the supplier base.
- Manage tendering processes, supplier selection and contract award decisions.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers through structured SRM and regular review meetings.
- Work closely with Engineering, Production, Quality and Finance to align procurement decisions with technical specifications and business goals.
- Ensure procurement activities reflect best value by balancing cost, quality and delivery.
- Support cross-functional collaboration to raise the profile of procurement across the organisation.
- Promote ethical business behaviour and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
- Provide cover for the Sourcing Manager and other senior team members when required.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience in strategic supplier management and category management.
- Strong understanding of contract law, compliance frameworks, and supplier governance.
- Technical appreciation, including ability to interpret engineering drawings and quality standards.
- Experience within precision, engineering or manufacturing environments (ISO, AS9100, or similar).
- Strong negotiation, influencing and communication skills at all business levels.
- Resilient, organised and solution-focused, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering or Business (CIPS or equivalent preferred).
- Comfortable using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to influence the quality and resilience of a supply chain at the heart of advanced engineering. You’ll enjoy an environment that values technical expertise, encourages strategic thinking and trusts you to make significant, meaningful decisions. Alongside a competitive salary of circa £50k and an annual bonus of up to 15% of salary, you’ll benefit from:
- 33 days annual leave
- Flexible working hours
- Bupa health insurance & health cash plan
- Enhanced pension
- Life assurance
Ready to strengthen the future of precision manufacturing? Apply now via Cubed Talent or contact our Jess for a confidential conversation.
Strategic Buyer - Supplier Compliance in Bradford employer: Cubed Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Cubed Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer - Supplier Compliance in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain practices. We want you to show off your knowledge about their operations and how you can contribute to their strategic procurement goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Strategic Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and communicate effectively. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with those tough conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in precision manufacturing.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer - Supplier Compliance in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Strategic Buyer. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement and supplier management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like CIPS or your understanding of ISO standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your technical knowledge, your approach to risk management, and how you’ve successfully driven supplier compliance in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage supplier quality and compliance. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve improved performance or reduced risks in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cubed Resourcing
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic procurement and supplier compliance. Familiarise yourself with ISO/AS9100 standards and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you genuinely understand the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about specific examples where you've managed supplier risk or improved compliance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is key in this role, be prepared to discuss your approach to securing contracts and managing supplier relationships. Share examples of successful negotiations and how you balanced cost, quality, and delivery to achieve the best outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the company's current challenges in supply chain management or how they measure supplier performance. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.