At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for healthcare manufacturing, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Company: Dynamic healthcare organisation focused on transformation and growth.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a team where leadership and adaptability are valued.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in an evolving role with hands-on responsibilities.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and experience in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you ready to be part of a business driving real change? Join a growing healthcare organisation with a rich heritage and a portfolio of specialist subsidiaries across pharmaceuticals and supplements. The business is entering a pivotal phase of transformation, focused on strengthening its procurement and supply chain capability to support continued growth.
About the Role
Buyer (Permanent) Hybrid working (3 days onsite)
This is a high-impact, hands-on role where you’ll play a key part in stabilising and strengthening procurement operations during a period of organisational evolution. You’ll be joining a function where structures are still developing, meaning success in this role will rely on your ability to:
- Quickly assess situations
- Make sound, pragmatic decisions
- Operate with both strategic awareness and operational delivery
This role will suit someone with the gravitas to lead from the front, while remaining close to the detail and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage procurement of raw materials and packaging components for pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturing
- Conduct supplier evaluations and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness
- Work cross-functionally with production, planning, and quality teams to meet customer requirements
- Monitor and manage budgets, costs, and inventory levels to support operational efficiency
- Support the Head of Procurement in strategic sourcing and continuous improvement initiatives
- Play a hands-on role in ensuring continuity during the separation of procurement and supply chain responsibilities
- Contribute to the onboarding, coaching, and development of team members
- Ensure full compliance with MHRA and BRC standards
- Engage directly with customers and suppliers to resolve issues and align expectations
What Makes This Role Different
- A chance to step into a function that is evolving and requires shaping
- Opportunity to have real operational impact in the short term
- Work in an environment where leadership, adaptability, and hands-on delivery are equally valued
- Exposure to complex supply chain challenges, including organisational restructuring
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a Buyer / Procurement role within pharma, food, FMCG, chemicals, or manufacturing
- Ideally experience working in an SME or less-structured environment
- Around 5+ years’ experience in buying/procurement
- MCIPS Level 4 (or working towards) – or equivalent experience
- Strong supplier management, negotiation, and evaluation skills
- Confidence to work in an evolving structure and bring clarity quickly
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build credibility across the business
Key Words: Buyer, Procurement, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Supplier Management, Supplier Audits, MCIPS, Pharma, FMCG, Food, Manufacturing, Production, Healthcare, Packaging, Raw Materials, Compliance, MHRA, BRC
Locations
Senior Lead Buyer in Cheshire, Widnes employer: RBW Consulting
Join a dynamic healthcare organisation that is committed to driving meaningful change in the industry. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this role offers you the opportunity to make a significant impact during a transformative phase. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, a supportive environment for professional growth, and the chance to shape procurement operations while working alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to excellence in healthcare manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lead Buyer in Cheshire, Widnes
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like RBW Consulting.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lead Buyer in Cheshire, Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to RBW Consulting:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to RBW Consulting. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like RBW Consulting.
How to prepare for a job interview at RBW Consulting
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at RBW Consulting!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at RBW Consulting. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into RBW Consulting's culture.
