Strategic Buyer

Your new companyA global manufacturing organisation and market leader is seeking a Strategic Buyer to join its established Strategic Purchasing team based in Cwmbran. Operating within a fast-paced and highly regulated environment, the business is committed to innovation, supply chain excellence, and continuous improvement across its operations.

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
Your new roleAs Strategic Buyer, you will play a key role in the procurement and supplier management process, supporting new product introductions and programme delivery. Working within the Strategic Purchasing function, you will manage supplier relationships, lead sourcing activities, negotiate commercial agreements, and identify cost-saving opportunities to achieve programme and business objectives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing RFQs and RFPs with strategic suppliers using engineering and technical data.
• Evaluating supplier proposals and selecting suppliers based on commercial, quality, and operational criteria.
• Negotiating and managing Long-Term Agreements (LTAs).
• Raising and managing purchase orders in line with MRP requirements.
• Developing strong supplier partnerships and conducting supplier performance reviews.
• Supporting the industrialisation and procurement of new products across composite, metallic, and electrical categories.
• Ensuring suppliers achieve agreed delivery, quality, and service performance targets.
• Monitoring supply chain KPIs including OTIF, order book performance, and supplier metrics.
• Supporting cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, quality, and programme management.
• Identifying and implementing cost reduction and value engineering initiatives across the supply base.
• Resolving supplier queries, invoice discrepancies, and procurement-related issues.

What you'll need to succeed

• Purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Experience working with MRP/ERP systems.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Demonstrable problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Flexibility to travel within the UK and internationally when required.

What you'll get in return

• A salary up to £45k, dependent on experience and qualifications
• Opportunity to join a globally recognised aerospace manufacturer.
• Exposure to complex, high-value procurement projects. xgikmsk
• Career development within a large and established procurement function.