At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop sourcing strategies and strengthen supplier partnerships for critical raw materials.
- Company: Join LCM, a global leader in the rare earth supply chain.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence procurement strategy.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enhance your professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic, internationally connected market.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Korn Ferry is delighted to be partnering with LCM, a specialist manufacturer and global supplier operating within a highly technical and internationally connected market.
With a reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service, LCM works with suppliers and customers across the globe to deliver critical materials that support a range of industrial applications.
As the business continues to grow, they are seeking a Strategic Buyer to join their team and play a key role in developing sourcing strategies, strengthening supplier partnerships, and ensuring the secure supply of critical raw materials.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a globally recognised business at the heart of the rare earth supply chain, where you will directly influence procurement strategy, supplier performance, cost optimisation, and supply chain resilience.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies for critical raw materials, ensuring continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and quality performance.
- Manage procurement categories and identify opportunities to improve supplier performance, reduce costs, and support business growth.
- Conduct market research and supplier assessments to identify new sourcing opportunities and strengthen the supplier portfolio.
- Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with suppliers across international markets.
- Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts, terms and conditions, and supplier agreements.
- Monitor commodity markets, pricing trends, and geopolitical developments that may impact supply availability and cost.
- Partner closely with Operations, Technical, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to align procurement activities with business requirements.
- Manage supplier performance through regular reviews, KPI tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, inventory optimisation, and supply chain risk mitigation activities.
- Maintain procurement data within ERP systems and leverage digital tools to improve reporting, market intelligence, and commercial decision-making.
Skills & Experience Required
- Significant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or purchasing within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Proven ability to negotiate complex commercial agreements and manage strategic supplier relationships.
- Strong understanding of procurement best practices, category management, supplier development, and sourcing strategy.
- Experience analysing commodity markets, supply chain risks, and total cost of ownership models.
- Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to make data-driven procurement decisions.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working with ERP systems, procurement platforms, and advanced Excel reporting.
- MCIPS qualified or working towards qualification would be advantageous.
- Experience within metals, specialty chemicals, advanced manufacturing, mining, or raw material procurement environments would be highly beneficial.
Locations
Strategic Buyer in Cheshire, Warrington employer: LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED
LCM is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Purchasing & Import Administrator to thrive. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive work environment, LCM offers unique opportunities for growth within the dynamic manufacturing sector. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a strong sense of community and access to global markets, enhancing both personal and professional experiences.
Contact Details:
LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer in Cheshire, Warrington
✨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 LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED.
✨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 Cheshire, Warrington
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 LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED. 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 LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED.
How to prepare for a job interview at LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED
✨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 LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED!
✨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 LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED. 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 LESS COMMON METALS LIMITED's culture.
