Strategic Indirect Buyer in Newcastle upon Tyne

Company Pearson Engineering Ltd is a world leading provider of counter-mine and combat engineering equipment. Our product range is wide and varied, including complex attachments for armoured vehicles and remote controlled mine clearance systems.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the role is to develop and implement strategic sourcing initiatives across indirect spend categories for Pearson Engineering and across the Armstrong works site, delivering cost savings, supplier performance improvements, and long-term commercial value.

Responsibilities

• Support commercial procurement and supplier management activities across a broad range of indirect spend categories, including operational services, leasing agreements, facilities support, consumables, PPE and workwear, and wider business support requirements.
• Work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to develop and implement strategic sourcing plans for indirect spend categories across the site.
• Analyse company-wide indirect expenditure to identify cost-saving opportunities and procurement efficiencies.
• Manage end to end sourcing activities, including tendering, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award activities.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers across Armstrong works, establish supply agreements to leverage group purchasing power, improve terms and reduce administrative complexity.
• Negotiate pricing, service levels, contract terms, rebates, and value-added agreements with suppliers.
• Manage and monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs and SLAs.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to understand operational requirements and future business needs.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement within indirect procurement processes and supplier management.
• Ensure procurement activities align with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate contract records and oversee contract renewal planning.
• Conduct market analysis to identify cost saving opportunities, supply risks and alternative sourcing options.

Skills / Experience

• Previous experience in indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management within manufacturing or engineering environments.
• Experience within the defence sector would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Experience negotiating service contracts, leasing agreements, and operational support contracts.
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance metrics.
• Understanding of procurement best practices and contract management principles.
• Competent in spend analysis, reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working across multiple departments and stakeholder groups.
• CIPS qualification (or working toward) desirable.
• Familiarity with ERP procurement systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Personal Attributes

• A passion for working in engineering/defence environment.
• Commercially minded with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and results-driven.
• Strong analytical thinker.
• Able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.

Other requirements

As a defence contractor, we have a number of security obligations placed upon the Company, which means that all our staff must be able to successfully achieve the relevant security clearances.