Senior Buyer in Durham

We have an excellent opportunity at Pragmatic Semiconductor for an experienced Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team. Based in Durham (North East England), you will report to the Head of Procurement and will be a key part in this strategic function.

The Procurement team is a key group at Pragmatic, and has received recognition through winning external awards. The team owns the strategic development of the supply chain to enable the business’s ambitious growth plan, enhance our competitive edge, and deliver on our environmental commitments.

In this highly-collaborative role, you will take strategic ownership of key Bill of Materials (BOM) categories, with a primary focus on chemicals, process gases and sputtering targets, that are critical to our production operations. Working within a fast-paced, high-technology manufacturing environment, you will develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance and ensure security of supply while supporting Pragmatic's continued growth.

We are looking for candidates with demonstrable Procurement experience gained within the manufacturing industry (ideally with experience of purchasing chemicals) and the ability to build relationships cross-functionally that will allow the Procurement team to support the business with its key objectives.

Please note, we are not able to offer Visa sponsorship for this position. We can consider candidates based in the UK who are comfortable with frequent travel to our Durham site; however, our preference will be candidates who are based within a commutable distance.

Key tasks

• CATEGORY MANAGEMENT & STRATEGIC SOURCING
  • Own the strategic procurement of assigned Bill of Materials categories, with primary responsibility for chemicals, speciality gases and sputtering targets.
  • Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives, ensuring supply continuity, commercial value and long-term supplier capability.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining quality, sustainability and operational performance.
  • Lead sourcing activities, supplier evaluations and competitive tender processes for new and existing suppliers.
  • Monitor market conditions, supply risks and industry developments, proactively implementing mitigation strategies where appropriate.
• SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
  • Develop strong strategic relationships with key suppliers, driving collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, contracts, service levels and long-term supply agreements.
  • Measure and manage supplier performance through appropriate KPIs, supporting supplier development and performance improvement initiatives.
  • Work collaboratively with suppliers to improve quality, delivery performance, sustainability and operational resilience.
  • Support supplier audits and qualification activities where required.
• CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION
  • Partner closely with Operations, Engineering and Facilities teams to understand manufacturing requirements and future business needs.
  • Provide commercial support to engineering projects, new product introduction activities and manufacturing process development.
  • Work collaboratively with Quality, Manufacturing, Finance and Supply Chain teams to ensure procurement decisions support wider business objectives.
  • Act as the procurement lead for assigned commodity areas, providing expert commercial guidance to stakeholders across the business.
• PROCUREMENT EXCELLENCE
  • Ensure procurement activities comply with internal governance, ethical sourcing principles and contractual obligations.
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of procurement processes, systems and reporting.
  • Contribute to supply chain risk management activities, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing robust mitigation plans.
  • Champion sustainable procurement practices that align with Pragmatic's environmental commitments.
  • Support the ongoing development of Procurement as a strategic business partner across the organisation.

Qualifications and training

Candidates will ideally be educated to degree level in a discipline such as Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Chemistry etc (or will possess equivalent experience). MCIPS qualification is preferred, although candidates actively working towards or willing to gain Chartered status will also be considered.

Skills and experience

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer within a manufacturing, technology, semiconductor, chemical or engineering environment.
• Demonstrable experience purchasing industrial chemicals is highly desirable, with knowledge of speciality gases and manufacturing components.
• Strong understanding of Bill of Materials (BOM) procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing category strategies and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Excellent commercial negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships across Operations, Engineering, Facilities and other technical functions.
• Experience of managing supplier performance, supply continuity and commercial risk.
• Knowledge of procurement best practice, strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier development.
• Experience using ERP systems together with strong analytical and data management skills.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Driven to deliver continuous improvement and supply chain excellence.

Candidates who do not meet every requirement but feel their skills are a good fit for the role are encouraged to apply.

Pragmatic Semiconductor is committed to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion; we strive to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to be themselves at work. Please let us know if you would like any adjustments to our application and interview process.