Buyer in Milton Keynes

About the Role We are currently recruiting for a Buyer on behalf of one of our clients based in Milton Keynes. This is a permanent opportunity, with an immediate start available for the right individual. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of products and services from approved and new sources of supply. The role will involve identifying the most appropriate sourcing strategies, managing supplier performance, negotiating commercial agreements, and ensuring suppliers consistently meet expectations around cost, quality, delivery and service. The Buyer will also play a key role in identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, developing new supplier relationships, and driving continuous improvement across the supplier base. Key Responsibilities Identify, evaluate and develop suppliers to meet the current and future requirements of the business. Identify potential supply chain risks, prioritise them effectively, and develop and implement appropriate mitigation plans. Monitor, report and analyse key supplier KPIs, identifying trends and developing improvement plans where required. Manage supplier performance across areas including cost, quality, delivery and service, recognising positive performance while addressing areas requiring improvement. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to promote best practice and continuous improvement. Continuously benchmark suppliers and analyse market and pricing trends to ensure competitive commercial outcomes. Utilise cost models and detailed cost breakdowns to challenge price increases, identify cost-saving opportunities and deliver the best overall value and total cost of ownership. Identify and develop new suppliers to support cost reduction, quality improvement and enhanced service levels. Support a strategic category management approach, including spend consolidation, supplier rationalisation and process simplification. Monitor requisition accuracy and completeness, ensuring purchasing requirements are clearly defined and fulfilled efficiently. Proactively manage and expedite orders where required to ensure on-time delivery. Support supplier scouting and sourcing activities where existing suppliers are unable to meet agreed KPI requirements. Contribute to effective supplier risk management and business continuity planning. Key Accountabilities Negotiate commercial contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring purchase orders and agreements accurately reflect agreed pricing, schedules, terms and conditions. Manage Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with strategic suppliers. Evaluate and monitor existing supplier performance against agreed business criteria, including: Production capability On-time delivery Quality Cost competitiveness Service levels Conduct regular supplier benchmarking activities to ensure ongoing competitiveness. Identify, assess and onboard potential new suppliers in line with business requirements. Lead and manage Requests for Quotation (RFQs), evaluating responses and supporting supplier selection. Maintain strong supplier relationships while ensuring commercial and operational objectives are consistently achieved. Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure procurement strategies align with wider business objectives. Requirements The successful candidate will ideally have: Proven purchasing/procurement experience Excellent negotiation and commercial skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a results-oriented and professional approach. Experience managing supplier performance and developing supplier relationships. Good understanding of sourcing, supplier benchmarking, cost analysis and contract negotiation. Strong communication and networking skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels. The ability to make sound commercial decisions and work effectively under pressure. A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement and risk mitigation. The ability to manage multiple priorities while working to demanding targets and deadlines. A collaborative mindset and a strong commitment to achieving business objectives. A positive attitude and enthusiasm for working as part of a high-performing team. Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy