At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement excellence and develop key supplier relationships in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Leading aerospace manufacturer focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sourcing decisions and supplier partnerships in a strategic role.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are a leading manufacturer of precision-engineered components, supplying mission-critical parts to global OEMs and Tier 1 customers. Quality, innovation, and supply chain excellence are at the heart of our business, enabling us to deliver products that meet the highest industry standards.
As we continue to grow, we are looking to appoint a Strategic Buyer to play a pivotal role in developing our supplier network, driving procurement excellence, and supporting the long-term success of our operations.
As Strategic Buyer, you will be responsible for developing and managing key supplier relationships while ensuring the effective procurement of materials and components to support business objectives. Working closely with operations, engineering, planning, and quality teams, you will identify opportunities to improve cost, quality, delivery, and supply chain resilience. This is a strategic position that requires strong commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to influence sourcing decisions, including participation in Buy vs Make evaluations.
Key Responsibilities- Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers to secure the best value, pricing, and contractual terms.
- Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers, driving performance and continuous improvement.
- Manage supplier order books to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules and customer demand.
- Monitor supplier performance, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions where required.
- Manage supply chain escalations, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently.
- Execute procurement activities in line with business requirements, ensuring cost-effective and timely sourcing of materials and components.
- Support strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier selection processes for new and existing products.
- Contribute to Buy vs Make decision-making by providing commercial analysis and supply chain insight.
- Work cross-functionally with engineering, production planning, quality, and operations teams to optimise supply chain performance.
- Analyse market trends, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers to identify opportunities for value creation and risk mitigation.
- Support inventory optimisation initiatives while maintaining service levels and operational continuity.
You are an experienced procurement professional with a strategic mindset and a proven ability to build successful supplier partnerships within a manufacturing environment. You are commercially driven, highly organised, and confident managing complex supplier relationships in a fast-paced, quality-focused industry.
Essential Experience- Demonstrable procurement or buying experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Proven track record of leading supplier negotiations and achieving commercial improvements.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and driving supplier performance.
- Strong order book management experience.
- Experience handling supplier escalations and resolving supply chain challenges.
- Exposure to Buy vs Make decision-making processes.
- Excellent commercial awareness, analytical skills, and negotiation ability.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Experience within the aerospace, aeronautical, defence, automotive, or precision engineering sectors.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain planning tools.
- CIPS qualification or working towards professional procurement accreditation.
- Understanding of AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing quality standards.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £45,000 – £60,000, depending on experience.
- Attractive benefits package.
- The opportunity to join a well-established and growing aerospace manufacturing business.
- A collaborative working environment with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- A strategic role with genuine influence over supplier partnerships, sourcing decisions, and business performance.
Strategic Buyer in Manchester employer: MJ Recruitment
As a leading manufacturer of precision-engineered components in Cheshire, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, innovation, and supply chain excellence. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional development and career progression, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, the Strategic Buyer role offers a unique opportunity to influence supplier partnerships and drive procurement excellence within a growing aerospace manufacturing business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer in Manchester
✨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 suppliers. Show them you understand their business and how you can contribute to their procurement excellence. Tailor your answers to highlight your negotiation skills and strategic mindset.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in manufacturing or engineering environments, and showcase any successful supplier negotiations you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your strategic mindset can contribute to our success. Don't forget to mention specific examples of how you've driven supplier performance in the past.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, demonstrate your commercial awareness and analytical skills. Talk about how you've identified cost-saving opportunities or improved supply chain resilience in previous roles. We love candidates who can think strategically and make data-driven decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at MJ Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement, such as cost savings achieved in previous roles or supplier performance improvements. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you understand the financial impact of your decisions.
✨Research the Company and Industry
Familiarise yourself with the company's position in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Understand their key suppliers, market trends, and challenges they might be facing. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your negotiation strategies. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured better terms or resolved conflicts. Think about how you can apply those skills to the role and be ready to discuss specific tactics you would use in this new position.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with engineering, quality, and operations in the past. Highlight specific projects where your input made a difference, demonstrating your ability to influence and drive results across departments.
