At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and support bespoke projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Family-run engineering manufacturer with over 50 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for progression, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to multiple high-technology sectors.
- Why this job: Shape procurement processes and make a real impact on high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within manufacturing and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 € per year.
Do you enjoy being hands-on in procurement while still influencing strategy and supplier direction? Are you looking for a role where you can shape how a procurement function operates? Do you thrive in fast-paced manufacturing environments delivering bespoke projects for high-profile clients?
We're partnering with a long-established, family-run engineering manufacturer that designs and produces bespoke mechanical and electrical components for customers across aerospace, defence, automotive and wider mobility sectors. With over 50 years of heritage, c.£25m turnover and a highly collaborative culture, the business is now looking to appoint a Senior Buyer to play a key role in supporting continued growth and operational improvement.
The Opportunity
This is a highly visible, hands-on procurement role where you’ll manage supplier relationships, support project delivery and help shape purchasing processes across the business. You’ll work closely with engineering, operations and leadership teams, balancing day-to-day buying activity with continuous improvement initiatives.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing supplier relationships across mechanical and electrical components
- Negotiating pricing, lead times and delivery performance
- Supporting bespoke customer projects from sourcing through to delivery
- Identifying opportunities for cost reduction, supplier improvement and process optimisation
- Working closely with engineering and production teams to support operational objectives
- Helping shape procurement processes and supplier strategy as the business grows
What They’re Looking For
- Experience in a Buyer or Senior Buyer role within manufacturing or engineering
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Experience purchasing technical or engineered components
- Comfortable operating in a hands-on SME environment
- Proactive, organised and commercially minded approach
Why Consider This Role?
- Opportunity to influence and shape the procurement function
- Varied role supporting bespoke, project-led manufacturing
- Family-run business with strong heritage and collaborative culture
- Exposure to multiple high-technology sectors
- Visible role with direct interaction across the business
If you’re a Senior Buyer looking for a role with ownership, variety and progression potential, please Apply Now!
Senior Buyer in Reading employer: Delve Search - Global Search Consultants
Join a long-established, family-run engineering manufacturer in Reading, where you can thrive in a collaborative culture that values your input and expertise. With over 50 years of heritage, this company offers a dynamic work environment that encourages professional growth and the opportunity to shape procurement strategies while working on bespoke projects for high-profile clients. Enjoy a hands-on role with direct influence on operational improvements and supplier relationships, all within a supportive team dedicated to excellence in the aerospace, defence, and automotive sectors.
Contact Detail:
Delve Search - Global Search Consultants Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Understand their products and how they fit into the aerospace, defence, and automotive sectors. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your negotiation skills during interviews! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you successfully managed supplier relationships or achieved cost reductions. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hands-on approach and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in manufacturing or engineering, and don’t forget to showcase your negotiation skills!
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. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships and support bespoke customer projects.
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience:Since this role is all about being hands-on, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and contributed to operational improvements in previous roles. We want to see your proactive approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our collaborative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Delve Search - Global Search Consultants
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and its role in the engineering manufacturing sector. Familiarise yourself with their products, especially the bespoke mechanical and electrical components they produce. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you relate your experience to their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you successfully managed supplier relationships or achieved cost reductions. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiating pricing and lead times, as this is crucial for the Senior Buyer role. Highlight how your strategies can benefit their procurement function.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with engineering and operations teams, be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated in previous roles. Share specific instances where your teamwork led to successful project delivery or process improvements, showcasing your ability to thrive in a hands-on environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking. Inquire about their current procurement processes and how they envision the role evolving. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the company's growth and operational improvement.
