Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate for commodities, ensuring supply and cost efficiency.
- Company: Join a global leader in design and manufacturing with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great company culture, and long service awards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in accelerating society's transition to a cleaner environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across teams.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 £ per year.
Do you have Manufacturing experience? Do you have SAP experience/knowledge? Join a global leader in design and manufacturing. Contribute to accelerating society's transition to a cleaner, healthier environment. Great company culture with a focus on employee wellbeing and long service awards.
Our client, a well-established company based on the outskirts of Maidstone, Kent, is seeking an experienced Commodity Buyer / Senior Buyer to join their team. As a global leader in design and manufacturing, they are committed to accelerating society's transition to a cleaner, healthier world!
Senior Commodity Buyer Role OverviewThe Commodity Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing assigned commodity categories to ensure consistent supply, cost competitiveness, and strong supplier performance. The role supports production requirements while driving cost savings, quality improvements, and long-term supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities- Procurement & Sourcing: Manage the end-to-end procurement process for assigned commodities. Source new suppliers and evaluate alternative materials or components to reduce cost and improve supply continuity. Conduct market research to track pricing trends, supply risks, and global commodity movements. Review RFQs, negotiate pricing, and secure best-value agreements aligned with business objectives.
- Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers. Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and compliance. Conduct supplier reviews, audits, and performance improvement activities. Resolve supply issues and escalate risks when required.
- Cost & Contract Management: Support cost-saving and value-engineering initiatives while ensuring material availability. Prepare and present cost analysis, forecasts, and supplier proposals. Negotiate commercial terms, long-term agreements, and service-level expectations.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Planning teams. Support new product development by sourcing appropriate materials and components. Ensure procurement decisions align with manufacturing efficiency and company strategy.
- Data, Systems & Compliance: Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP/MRP systems. Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and ethical sourcing practices. Track commodity KPIs and produce reports as required.
Essential: Proven experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain roles (manufacturing or engineering preferred). Strong negotiation and supplier management skills. Ability to analyse data, interpret market trends, and make cost-effective decisions. Experience using ERP/MRP/SAP systems and Microsoft Excel. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable: CIPS qualification or working towards. Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies. Experience managing global suppliers or complex commodity categories.
Key Competencies- Commercial awareness
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Relationship building
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and resilience
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent sales and negotiation skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Well-organised with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good administrative skills and proficiency in relevant software
Senior Commodity Buyer in Maidstone employer: K H R Recruitment Specialists
Contact Detail:
K H R Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commodity Buyer in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits in.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Commodity Buyer, you'll need to showcase your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commodity Buyer in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commodity Buyer role. Highlight your manufacturing experience and any SAP knowledge you have. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our mission of creating a cleaner, healthier world. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include specific examples of cost savings or supplier management successes. We love to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at K H R Recruitment Specialists
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Commodity Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse data and interpret market trends. Brush up on your knowledge of pricing trends and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to make cost-effective decisions.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role, so prepare examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. Think about specific instances where you secured best-value agreements or improved supplier performance, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s commitment to sustainability and employee wellbeing. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a cleaner, healthier environment.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with production, engineering, or quality teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure procurement decisions support overall business objectives.
