At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management to optimise cost and quality.
- Company: Dynamic company in Redditch with a focus on procurement excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 23 days holiday, pension scheme, and free parking.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your career in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
We are seeking a commercially focused Senior Buyer for our Redditch based client. You'll take ownership of strategic sourcing and supplier management across key product categories. This is a pivotal role within the Procurement and Supply Chain team, responsible for driving cost efficiency, ensuring continuity of supply, and maintaining high product quality standards.
You will play a key role in developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and leading procurement activity across a diverse portfolio of spend. Working closely with Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance, you will help optimise inventory, support new product development, and contribute to continuous improvement across the end-to-end procurement function.
As a Senior Buyer, you will need to have/be:
- Proven experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, or purchasing roles
- Strong understanding of supply chain processes (logistics, warehousing, demand planning)
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
- Experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier performance
- Commercial awareness with understanding of cost drivers and total cost of ownership
- Experience working in a matrix organisation with cross-functional stakeholders
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple suppliers/categories
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
- Excellent analytical and numerical ability with high attention to detail
- Advanced Excel skills and ability to interpret complex data sets
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills under pressure
- Effective communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders
- Collaborative team player with a proactive, 'can-do' approach
- Continuous improvement mindset with focus on efficiency and optimisation
Desirable Experience:
- Experience in strategic sourcing methodologies
- Experience in supplier risk management or contract law
- Experience in new product development or category expansion
Education & Qualifications:
- A-levels or equivalent vocational qualification (or relevant experience)
- Working towards or achieved CIPS qualification (preferred)
- Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Procurement or related field (desirable)
Details:
- Salary: £38,000 - £42,000
- Working Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday
- Location: Redditch (on site)
- Duration: Permanent
Role of Senior Buyer:
- Lead sourcing and procurement of products for resale aligned with business demand and forecasts
- Develop and implement category strategies to optimise cost, quality, and service levels
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure continuity of supply and strong performance
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial terms to achieve best value and reduce risk
- Work closely with supply chain planning to optimise stock levels using ERP/MRP systems
- Ensure product availability targets are met and supply risks are proactively managed
- Identify and deliver cost-saving and cost-avoidance opportunities
- Monitor market trends, pricing changes, and supply chain risks to support decision-making
- Manage new product development and sourcing projects end-to-end (tenders, supplier selection, samples, negotiations)
- Identify, audit, and onboard new suppliers in line with compliance and sustainability standards
- Conduct benchmarking to ensure competitiveness across product ranges
- Support budgeting and forecasting with accurate procurement data
- Manage supplier performance against SLAs, including OTIF and corrective actions
- Resolve supply issues quickly to minimise operational disruption
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, Inventory, and Customer Services
- Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP/MRP systems
- Produce KPI reporting including savings, lead times, PPV, OTIF, and supplier performance
- Support continuous improvement across procurement processes and systems
- Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts, and regulatory requirements
- Manage supplier risk including financial stability, quality, and ethical standards
- Maintain full audit trail and documentation for all procurement activity
Benefits of working as a Senior Buyer:
- 23 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Christmas shutdown
- Free on-site parking
- Pension scheme
Senior Buyer in Redditch employer: Proftech Talent
Join our Redditch-based team as a Senior Buyer, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and continuous improvement. We offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive environment that fosters professional growth through strategic sourcing and supplier management. With a focus on employee well-being and development, you'll find unique opportunities to enhance your skills while contributing to the success of our procurement and supply chain operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Redditch
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and supply chain world. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Senior Buyer role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Use real examples of how you’ve driven cost efficiency and improved supplier relationships. This will make you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about getting the best deals, brush up on your negotiation techniques. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence. Remember, it’s all about finding that win-win situation!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience with ERP/MRP systems and your analytical skills. Let’s get you that Senior Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, sourcing, and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your commercial awareness and negotiation skills. We love a good story that shows your passion for procurement!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:As a Senior Buyer, strong analytical skills are key. In your application, mention any experience you have with data analysis, especially using Excel. We want to know how you’ve used data to drive decisions and improve processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proftech Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement, such as cost savings, lead times, and supplier performance. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is crucial in this role. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, focusing on the strategies you employed and the outcomes achieved. Show that you can secure the best value while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
✨Understand the Supply Chain Landscape
Familiarise yourself with supply chain processes, especially logistics and demand planning. Be prepared to discuss how these elements impact procurement decisions and how you've optimised inventory in previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced others to achieve common goals.
