At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate with suppliers and develop sourcing strategies to optimise costs and quality.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing firm with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finishes on Fridays, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for international travel and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain efficiency and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Five years in procurement or supply chain with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Buyer with a background in manufacturing or engineering?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of key supplier relationships, develop sourcing strategies and make a direct impact on cost, quality and continuity of supply.
Do you have the skills to fill this role Read the complete details below, and make your application today.
You’ll work closely with production, quality, design and supply chain teams to ensure the business has the materials and supplier capacity it needs, both now and as it grows.
- Salary & Working Hours
- £55,000-£60,000, depending on experience.
- Monday-Thursday, 7.30am-4pm.
- Early finish at 2pm every Friday.
- Based in Burton upon Trent.
The Role
As Strategic Buyer, you’ll combine commercial negotiation with supplier development and category planning.
You’ll identify opportunities to reduce costs, strengthen the supply base and support operational requirements.
Your responsibilities will include
- Developing commodity and sourcing strategies for key direct material categories.
- Negotiating and managing long-term supplier agreements to reduce risk and improve total cost of ownership.
- Supporting annual cost reduction targets of 5%.
- Reviewing supplier capabilities, performance and capacity to maintain reliable supply.
- Leading cross-functional sourcing, cost reduction and productivity projects.
- Analysing cost drivers and market trends to inform negotiations and purchasing decisions.
- Resolving critical supply issues alongside operational teams and buyer planners.
- The role involves UK and international travel to suppliers and business locations, potentially up to 30% of your time.
About You
You’ll bring at least five years’ experience in procurement, supply chain or manufacturing, with a strong understanding of sourcing, materials management and supplier relationships.
You’ll also have
- Strong negotiation and cost management skills.
- Experience developing suppliers and improving their performance.
- The ability to build effective relationships across production, quality, engineering and supply chain.
- A confident, analytical approach to solving problems and managing competing priorities.
- A thorough understanding of ERP/MRP systems and purchasing tools.
- Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- The confidence to work independently and drive improvements. xsabvtc
A degree and/or MCIPS qualification would be advantageous, as would experience using JD Edwards.
...
Strategic Buyer - Indirect Materials in Burton upon Trent employer: Distinct Recruitment Careers
Join a purpose-led organisation in Oxfordshire as the Director of Corporate & Finance, where you will enjoy a four-day working week and the flexibility of predominantly remote work. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions at Board level while managing public funding and governance in a supportive and collaborative environment. Benefit from a generous pension scheme, healthcare support, and a commitment to work-life balance, making this an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Distinct Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer - Indirect Materials in Burton upon Trent
✨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 Distinct Recruitment Careers.
✨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 Strategic Buyer - Indirect Materials in Burton upon Trent
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 Distinct Recruitment Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Distinct Recruitment Careers. 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 Distinct Recruitment Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct Recruitment Careers
✨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 Distinct Recruitment Careers!
✨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 Distinct Recruitment Careers. 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 Distinct Recruitment Careers's culture.
