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- Tasks: Shape procurement strategy and mentor junior team members in a dynamic office environment.
- Company: Join a respected engineering firm known for quality pumps and a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, 25 days holiday, private medical plan, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking company that values professional growth and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, office-based role in Southampton with opportunities for career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
This range is provided by Procurement People. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range Direct message the job poster from Procurement People Principal Consultant for Procurement People part of the ENG Network Strategic Buyer – Southampton | Office Based | Exciting Opportunity with a Market-Leading Engineering Client We’re working in partnership with a long-established and highly respected client in the engineering and environmental sector, who is looking to welcome a \” Middle Management\” Strategic Buyer to their growing team in Southampton. Our client is one of the few UK businesses that designs and manufactures its own industry-leading range of pumps, serving both hire and sales markets. Their products are trusted across the construction, water, and environmental industries thanks to a reputation for quality, reliability, and longevity built over more than 70 years. Now is a fantastic time to join this innovative business as they continue to expand. They are deeply committed to supporting the professional growth of their teams, offering clear career pathways, skill development, and ongoing training. About the Role As a Strategic Buyer , you\’ll play a key role in shaping procurement strategy—focusing on achieving the best value through supplier performance, sourcing strategies, and long-term relationship management. You’ll also take the lead in mentoring and developing junior team members, making this a great opportunity for someone who enjoys supporting others and fostering talent or someone with experience team leading or managing junior staff members. This is a full-time, office-based role near Southampton , so we’re looking for someone who can be on-site 5 days a week. Key Responsibilities Develop and manage category strategies with a focus on logistics and transportation, both inbound and outbound. Mentor and guide junior purchasing team members through coaching and hands-on development. Work closely with operational buyers to maintain and improve supplier performance. Drive process improvements and contribute to wider supply chain efficiency initiatives. Monitor and update landed cost data to ensure accurate reporting. Conduct supplier negotiations and manage supplier audits to ensure best value and compliance. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to resolve any quality or commercial issues. Champion best practices across the purchasing function and support continuous improvement. Operate as a middle management colleague with 5 direct reports. What We’re Looking For Proven experience in strategic procurement, ideally within manufacturing, engineering, or distribution. Strong knowledge of supply chain, logistics, and inventory management. Passion for coaching and developing others, with prior leadership or mentoring experience. CIPS Level 4 (or working toward), plus relevant qualifications at A-Level or equivalent. Confident communicator with strong negotiation and influencing skills. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities. Solid MS Office skills, especially Excel and PowerPoint. UK driving licence required. Experience in automotive or aerospace sectors is a plus but not essential. What’s in It for You? Competitive salary and performance-based bonus (annual and quarterly) 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with increases for long service Private medical cash plan (including 24/7 GP access and discounts on health & fitness) Enhanced pension scheme based on total earnings Life insurance (3x salary) Career development and training opportunities Employee support and wellbeing programmes, including access to Mental Health First Aiders Exclusive retail and leisure discounts Generous employee referral scheme If you’re ready to step into a strategic, people-focused procurement role with a forward-thinking company that truly values its people, we’d love to hear from you Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Engineering Industries Manufacturing, Engineering Services, and Engines and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Procurement People by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Strategic Buyer” roles. 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Strategic Buyer employer: Procurement People
Contact Detail:
Procurement People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement strategies used in the engineering sector. Understanding how to develop and manage category strategies, especially in logistics and transportation, will give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your mentoring and leadership experience. Since this role involves guiding junior team members, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully coached others in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. This position requires strong negotiation abilities, so consider practising common scenarios or even role-playing with a friend to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Network within the industry. Connect with professionals in procurement and supply chain management through platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with others can provide insights into the company culture and may even lead to referrals.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategic procurement, particularly within manufacturing or engineering. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in supplier performance and logistics management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for coaching and developing others, as this role emphasises mentoring junior team members. Mention any leadership experience you have and how it aligns with the company's values.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong negotiation and influencing skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of successful negotiations or process improvements you've led in previous roles.
Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Discuss any past experiences where you contributed to supply chain efficiency or implemented best practices in procurement. This will show your alignment with the company's focus on continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement People
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the company's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their products, especially in the engineering and environmental sectors, will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your experience in strategic procurement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide clear examples of how you've successfully managed teams or improved processes.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Strategic Buyer, strong negotiation skills are crucial. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you successfully negotiated with suppliers or resolved conflicts. Highlight your approach and the outcomes to demonstrate your effectiveness.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the company's procurement strategies, team dynamics, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
