At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a well-established, privately owned engineering business focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and the chance to work on-site in Herefordshire.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive culture while driving procurement excellence and strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within manufacturing, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency with MRP systems required.
- Other info: This role reports directly to the Managing Director, offering significant influence on the supply chain.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Driving Procurement Excellence in a Growing Engineering Business
Herefordshire, on-site, permanent
Salary between £40,000 - £50,000, plus competitive benefits package
Specialist engineering, manufacturing, and assembly
No Visa sponsorship available for overseas candidates
As this business continues to grow, they are strengthening their procurement capability and are on the lookout for an experienced, proactive Senior Buyer to take ownership of our purchasing function. Based within a well-established, privately owned manufacturing and engineering business, you will play a pivotal role in sourcing materials and services that meet the evolving demands of the operations. This is a hands-on role where strategic thinking meets practical execution - ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Procurement Management
- Lead the sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of materials and components both in the UK and internationally (including key markets such as China).
- Collaborate with operations, engineering, and management teams to obtain competitive quotes for materials and subcontracted services.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery and consistent quality.
- Working with engineering teams on NPD and NPI.
- Monitor market trends to identify risks, spot opportunities, and drive long-term procurement strategies.
- Add tangible value to the business by continuously improving purchasing performance.
- Cost Management
- Negotiate favourable pricing, terms, and contracts to drive cost efficiency.
- Carry out regular cost analysis and identify opportunities for savings without compromising quality.
- Select suppliers based on reliability, quality, and value.
- Conduct supplier reviews and performance evaluations to ensure ongoing compliance and excellence.
- Process Improvement
- Contribute to the refinement of procurement processes and procedures to boost efficiency and accuracy.
- Use MRP systems to manage purchasing activities and streamline operations.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with production, technical, quality, and finance teams to align purchasing strategies with broader business goals.
- Support new product development projects by sourcing and qualifying materials and suppliers.
- Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure all procurement activities are aligned with internal policies and external regulations.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of purchases, contracts, and supplier communications.
- Mitigation of supply chain risks, EU and US Tariffs.
What We’re Looking For:
- Procurement experience, within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- A hands-on buyer with a proven ability to manage procurement activities in a dynamic, growing business.
- Understanding of technical engineering drawings.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management capabilities.
- Proficiency with MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
- A strategic, analytical thinker with a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of commercial awareness.
- A proactive problem-solver who can make informed decisions independently.
Reporting to the Managing Director, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our supply chain function. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a supportive and ambitious business, we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Buyer employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management, especially within the engineering sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-paced industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the engineering and manufacturing fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the Senior Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved procurement processes in your previous roles. Being able to articulate your achievements will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company thoroughly, including its products, market position, and recent developments. Tailoring your conversation to reflect your understanding of their business will show your genuine interest and help you make a strong impression during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in manufacturing or engineering. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any experience with MRP systems, as these are crucial for the Senior Buyer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Mention specific examples of how you've added value in previous roles, particularly in cost management and supplier relationships.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your organisational and time management capabilities. Include any experience you have with technical engineering drawings and how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure your application includes your name, email address, phone number, and location as specified. This will help Jonathan Lee Recruitment process your CV effectively and avoid any delays.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous procurement roles in detail. Highlight specific examples where you successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships, especially in a manufacturing or engineering context.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can add value to the company's procurement strategies. Be ready to share your insights on market trends and how they could impact sourcing decisions, showcasing your analytical skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role requires an understanding of technical engineering drawings, brush up on relevant terminology and concepts. Be ready to explain how you've worked with engineering teams in the past to support new product development.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This position involves working closely with various teams. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively across departments, ensuring that purchasing strategies align with broader business goals.