At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing for new products and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Established engineering manufacturer with international supply chain exposure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, direct influence on sourcing strategy, and varied responsibilities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to international suppliers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while collaborating with engineering and quality teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 50750 £ per year.
Location: Poole, Dorset
Salary: £41,000 – £50,750
Please note: only applicants with the full-time, permanent right to work in the UK will be considered.
Overview:
- Lead sourcing activity for new products, projects and ongoing production requirements
- Manage supplier selection, commercial negotiation, contracts and cost reduction activity
- Work closely with Engineering, Quality and Operations to support successful product launches
- Develop supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost and compliance
- Join a growing engineering manufacturer with international supply chain exposure
This role is with an established engineering manufacturer in Poole, supporting project procurement, supplier development and long-term sourcing strategy. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Strategic Buyer will work across new product introduction, supplier selection, contract negotiation, cost reduction and serial production readiness. This position suits someone who can balance technical procurement requirements with commercial decision-making and supplier relationship management.
Day-to-day responsibilities:
- Represent Purchasing within development and industrialisation projects from early concept through to production launch
- Source materials, components and finished products in line with technical, quality, cost and timing requirements
- Request quotations, lead commercial negotiations and put supplier agreements in place
- Work with Engineering, Quality and Programme teams to confirm manufacturability, supply readiness and supplier capability
- Manage project procurement information, master data and handover documentation for operational purchasing teams
- Identify and deliver cost reduction, continuous improvement and total cost of ownership initiatives
- Carry out supplier benchmarking, market research and supply chain analysis
- Scout, assess and develop new suppliers across UK and international markets
- Support supplier audits, qualification activity, capability reviews and performance improvement plans
- Monitor supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost and compliance
- Maintain supplier approval information and support dual-source coverage for key capabilities
- Work across Quality, R&D, Operations and Purchasing to resolve supply chain risks and improve performance
What they're looking for:
- Experience as a Strategic Buyer, Project Buyer, Commodity Buyer or similar procurement professional
- Strong commercial awareness with confidence negotiating pricing, terms and supply agreements
- Experience supporting NPI, industrialisation or project-based sourcing activity
- Able to assess supplier capability, risk, cost, quality and delivery performance
- Good understanding of procurement processes, supplier selection and sourcing strategy
- Comfortable using ERP systems, Excel and procurement data to support decisions
- Strong supplier and stakeholder management skills across technical and operational teams
- Organised, adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities in a changing supply environment
- CIPS qualification, or equivalent procurement training and experience
- Willingness to travel to suppliers when required, potentially up to 20%
Desirable:
- Background in engineering, manufacturing, electromechanical products or technical supply chains
- Experience with supplier quality, supplier audits or part qualification activity
- Understanding of demand forecasting, stock profiling or inventory planning
- Lean or continuous improvement exposure, including 5 Why, DMAIC or waste reduction methods
- Experience managing international suppliers and global sourcing activity
What's on offer:
- A role with direct influence across sourcing strategy, supplier capability, NPI and long-term procurement performance.
- The chance to work closely with Engineering, Quality and Operations rather than operating in a purely transactional buying role.
- A varied, commercially focused opportunity with exposure to international suppliers, product launches and continuous improvement activity.
How to apply:
If you're interested in this role, get in touch to talk through the scope and supplier portfolio. Call or message Hayden at Holt Engineering.
Strategic Buyer in Poole employer: Holt Engineering
Join a dynamic engineering manufacturer in Poole, where as a Strategic Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping sourcing strategies and supplier relationships. With a strong focus on employee development, our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and continuous improvement, offering you the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams on exciting product launches. Enjoy competitive salary packages and the chance to influence procurement performance in a supportive environment that values your expertise and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer in Poole
✨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 Holt Engineering.
✨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 in Poole
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 Holt Engineering:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Holt Engineering. 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 Holt Engineering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holt Engineering
✨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 Holt Engineering!
✨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 Holt Engineering. 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 Holt Engineering's culture.
