At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic sourcing for innovative manufacturing projects and shape supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Edwards, a leader in advanced vacuum technology and manufacturing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth across global facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a cutting-edge industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in strategic sourcing or category management.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
As a Strategic Sourcing Buyer reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will serve as a commercially driven Category Manager within Manufacturing. Your primary responsibility will be owning and evolving the sourcing strategy across a complex, engineered supply base through end-to-end strategic sourcing. You will deliver long-term value by shaping the supplier landscape, leveraging technical and market insight, and executing multi-year category strategies that optimise cost, capability, innovation, and resilience.
You will take full ownership of a manufacturing category, leading strategic sourcing activity from opportunity identification through to supplier selection, negotiation, and long-term supplier development. You work at the intersection of procurement, engineering, and operations.
Responsibilities
- Own and evolve end-to-end category strategies aligned to business and manufacturing objectives
- Define and deliver multi-year sourcing strategies based on demand, technology, and market dynamics
- Lead strategic sourcing activity end-to-end, including market analysis, supplier identification, RFx processes, and negotiations
- Apply structured methodologies (e.g. should-cost modelling, total cost of ownership, benchmarking)
- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements to inform sourcing decisions
- Segment and position suppliers based on capability, risk, and strategic importance
- Build and execute supplier development roadmaps to enhance performance, capability, and innovation
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, quality, and finance
Qualifications
- Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS or equivalent) strongly preferred
- Proven experience in a strategic sourcing or category management role within a manufacturing or engineered environment
- Demonstrated ownership of category strategy development and execution, delivering measurable commercial outcomes
- Experience sourcing engineered products or components (e.g. machining, fabrication, castings, plastics or similar)
- Deep understanding of strategic sourcing and procurement best practices, including category strategy development, total cost of ownership (TCO), should-cost modelling, and supply market analysis
- Strong capability in cost analysis and supply market intelligence, translating data into actionable sourcing strategies
About the Company
Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value-added services. Edwards solutions are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells. They are also used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications; steel and other metallurgy; pharmaceutical and chemical; and for scientific instruments in a wide range of R&D applications. Edwards has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America.
Strategic Sourcing Buyer in Bristol employer: Edwards Ltd.
Edwards is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Strategic Sourcing Buyer, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises professional growth, with access to cutting-edge technology and cross-functional teamwork that enhances your skills in procurement and engineering. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, you will be part of a global team dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions across diverse industries, ensuring your contributions have a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Buyer in Bristol
✨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 Edwards Ltd..
✨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 Sourcing Buyer in Bristol
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 Edwards Ltd.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Edwards Ltd.. 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 Edwards Ltd..
How to prepare for a job interview at Edwards Ltd.
✨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 Edwards Ltd.!
✨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 Edwards Ltd.. 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 Edwards Ltd.'s culture.
