At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy across Europe, driving supplier performance and cost optimisation.
- Company: Join a leading UK-based training provider with a focus on safety and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, pension scheme, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape procurement across multiple countries and make a real impact on business performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
This European Lead Buyer role is a permanent, full-time opportunity based in York, supporting procurement activity across multiple European entities. The role will focus on strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement governance and cost optimisation across markets including the UK, Netherlands, Nordics and Poland. The European Lead Buyer will play a key role in developing a more coordinated, value-led procurement function across Europe. Working closely with the Group Procurement Director, senior leaders and local business teams, this role will help drive stronger supplier performance, improved procurement processes and measurable commercial value. This position is suited to someone with strong procurement experience across indirect categories, multi-country sourcing, stakeholder engagement and supplier performance management. French language skills would be a strong advantage due to close alignment with the wider group procurement function, although this is not essential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead procurement strategy and delivery across a defined European region.
- Translate group procurement strategy into practical procurement plans across local European entities.
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business needs, market conditions and commercial objectives.
- Strengthen procurement governance, policies and compliance across multiple countries.
- Support the harmonisation of procurement processes, tools and supplier frameworks.
- Manage strategic sourcing activity across indirect procurement categories.
- Lead procurement across categories including fleet, mobility, technical equipment, operational equipment, IT, telecoms and general overheads.
- Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, standardise processes and deliver measurable commercial value.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activity including supplier engagement, RFI, RFP, selection, negotiation and contracting.
- Build and manage a high-performing supplier base focused on service, innovation, sustainability and cost effectiveness.
- Develop long-term supplier partnerships that support business performance and operational efficiency.
- Drive supplier performance through KPIs, regular reviews and continuous improvement plans.
- Support procurement activity across the UK, Netherlands, Nordics and Poland.
- Act as a trusted procurement partner to local leadership teams and internal stakeholders.
- Influence and coach local procurement contacts and business leaders across different European markets.
- Build strong relationships across finance, operations, IT, legal and wider commercial teams.
- Lead complex supplier negotiations across multi-country agreements and contract renewals.
- Ensure contract frameworks are robust, compliant and aligned with local regulations.
- Reduce commercial and operational risk while improving value, quality and supplier service.
- Track procurement KPIs including cost savings, compliance, supplier performance and value delivery.
- Support margin improvement through effective procurement activity and commercial control.
- Embed ESG, CSR and responsible sourcing principles into procurement decisions.
- Identify sustainable sourcing opportunities including low-carbon and circular economy solutions.
- Monitor supplier markets, pricing trends and innovation across Europe.
Preferred Ideal Experience & Skills Required:
- Demonstrate previous experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or category management.
- Bring strong experience working across multi-country European procurement environments.
- Show a proven ability to deliver cost savings, supplier improvement and commercial value.
- Manage indirect procurement categories including fleet, IT, telecoms, operational equipment or general overheads.
- Lead sourcing processes including RFI, RFP, supplier selection, negotiation and contract management.
- Operate confidently at both strategic and hands-on operational levels.
- Influence senior leaders, local teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Build effective relationships across different cultures, markets and business structures.
- Improve procurement processes, governance and supplier frameworks.
- Use procurement data, reporting tools and performance metrics to support decision making.
- Communicate clearly and professionally in fluent English & ideally bring French language skills where possible, although this is not essential.
What's on Offer:
This European Lead Buyer role offers the opportunity to join a growing international organisation at an important stage of procurement transformation. You will have the autonomy to shape procurement activity across multiple European markets while working closely with senior leadership and group procurement teams. The role offers strong visibility, international scope and the chance to make a measurable impact on supplier performance, cost control, governance and long-term value creation. It is a rare opportunity for a procurement professional who wants more than a maintenance role and is ready to help build something properly joined up across Europe.
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 + 33 Days Holiday (inc. Bank Holidays), Pension Scheme, Private Health Care, Sick Pay Plan & more.
Location: Slough.
The organisation is a leading UK based safe systems of work mechanical, electrical, and water hygiene training course provider, working with many different industry sectors including FM, NHS, Airports, MOD, Universities & Manufacturing.
Diversity & Inclusion:
ENMASE Group operate an inclusive and diverse recruitment process, removing any barriers to the recruitment journey where possible, whilst also ensuring our clients do the same and we can provide any advice or education to them in relation to this. If there may be any support or adjustments required at any point throughout your recruitment journey with us, then please let us know and our trained consultants will assist and advise you accordingly.
European Lead Buyer in York employer: Enmase Group
As a leading provider of safe systems of work training, this organisation offers an exceptional work environment in Slough, where employees are empowered to drive procurement transformation across Europe. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including 33 days of holiday, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the company fosters a collaborative culture that values innovation and sustainability. Join a team where your contributions will have a meaningful impact on supplier performance and operational efficiency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land European Lead Buyer in York
✨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 Enmase Group.
✨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 European Lead Buyer in York
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 Enmase Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Enmase Group. 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 Enmase Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Enmase Group
✨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 Enmase Group!
✨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 Enmase Group. 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 Enmase Group's culture.
