At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement activities and develop sourcing strategies in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a busy engineering and manufacturing team in Marden, Kent.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor and support the purchasing team while driving continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategy and supplier performance in a technical setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic purchasing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
- Senior Strategic Buyer – Technical Engineering & Procurement
- Department: Purchasing
- Salary; £50k
- Hybrid – 35 hour week – flexible working hours
- Reporting to: Supply Chain Manager
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Senior Strategic Buyer to join a busy engineering and manufacturing environment in Marden, Kent.
This is a key procurement position for someone who combines strong technical engineering purchasing experience with proven leadership and strategic sourcing capability.
You will take ownership of strategic procurement activities, lead commodity sourcing initiatives and work closely with Engineering, Production, Industrialisation, Materials and Accounts to ensure the business has the right materials, components and suppliers in place to support operational and commercial objectives.
This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys working in a technical environment and is ready to take a greater leadership role within the purchasing function.
The Role
You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing strategies, identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring suppliers consistently deliver against quality, cost, delivery and service expectations.
Key responsibilities will include
- Lead at least one key commodity at a strategic level.
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies to deliver cost reduction, improved quality and supply chain efficiency.
- Analyse spend, procurement data and market trends to identify commercial opportunities.
- Source, assess and onboard new suppliers, considering quality, cost, capability, reliability and sustainability.
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, long-term agreements and commercial terms.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key strategic suppliers.
- Manage supplier performance and address issues relating to quality, cost and delivery.
- Undertake supplier visits and audits where required.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure continuity of supply.
- Work closely with Engineering, Production, Industrialisation and Materials teams to understand technical and material requirements.
- Oversee the Materials Requirement Planning process and ensure accurate and timely analysis of requirements.
- Maintain accurate SAP purchasing and MRP data.
- Monitor material shortages and work proactively with Production and Materials teams to minimise disruption.
- Review purchasing and supply agreements to ensure continued cost effectiveness, efficiency and quality.
- Support the development and monitoring of purchasing KPIs.
- Assist with annual departmental budgets, including capital expenditure and training requirements.
- Help drive continuous improvement initiatives, including A3 Lean process management projects.
- Support and mentor members of the Purchasing Team, providing guidance on strategic procurement activities.
- Take responsibility for purchasing operations and provide leadership and support to the team during the Supply Chain Manager's absence.
- Technical & Engineering Purchasing
The successful candidate will ideally have experience purchasing technical, engineered or manufactured components and will be comfortable working alongside Engineering and Production teams.
You will be able to understand technical requirements, assess supplier capability and negotiate commercially while maintaining the quality and specification requirements expected within an engineering environment.
Experience of working with manufacturing drawings, engineered components, materials, assemblies or technically complex supply chains would be highly advantageous.
Leadership & Strategic Responsibility
This role is not purely transactional purchasing.
You will play an important part in shaping procurement strategy, driving improvements and supporting the development of the wider purchasing team.
We are therefore looking for someone who can demonstrate strong leadership, mentoring and stakeholder-management skills, with the confidence to take ownership of strategic projects and make commercially sound decisions.
About You
You will ideally bring
- Proven experience within strategic purchasing/procurement in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of technical and engineered purchasing.
- Experience leading commodities, sourcing projects or strategic procurement initiatives.
- Proven supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
- Strong commercial awareness and an ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Experience managing and developing supplier relationships.
- Previous leadership, mentoring or supervisory experience.
- Excellent understanding of purchasing compliance and relevant legislation.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent professional purchasing experience.
- Experience with SAP and MRP systems.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- Excellent organisation, accuracy and attention to detail.
- The ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement and Lean methodologies.
- The flexibility to travel to suppliers when required.
Why Join?
This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to influence strategic procurement, supplier performance, cost reduction and supply chain development within a technical engineering environment.
If you are an experienced Buyer or Procurement professional looking to combine your technical purchasing expertise with greater strategic and leadership responsibility, we would be very interested in hearing from you.
To apply, please submit your CV through the application link.
Senior Strategic Buyer Hybrid in Tonbridge employer: Jobiqo
Bromley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a local government pension scheme and unique discounts, the Council prioritises employee well-being and career growth. Located in the vibrant Bromley Civic Centre, you will be part of a team that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the borough while enjoying the balance of urban and suburban life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Buyer Hybrid in Tonbridge
✨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 Jobiqo.
✨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 Senior Strategic Buyer Hybrid in Tonbridge
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 Jobiqo:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Jobiqo. 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 Jobiqo.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobiqo
✨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 Jobiqo!
✨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 Jobiqo. 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 Jobiqo's culture.
