At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for healthcare manufacturing, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Company: Join a dynamic healthcare organisation driving real change in pharmaceuticals and supplements.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a team shaping the future of procurement in healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in an evolving role with real operational challenges.
- 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
Senior Lead Buyer in Widnes employer: RBW Consulting
Join a dynamic healthcare organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that encourages hands-on leadership, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving procurement function. This role not only allows you to shape processes but also provides exposure to complex supply chain challenges, ensuring your career growth in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lead Buyer in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Lead Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. We want you to show off your strategic awareness and operational delivery skills, so practice answering questions that highlight your experience in supplier management and negotiation.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We recommend mentioning something specific from the conversation to keep you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your interest in being part of our evolving team and helps us get to know you better.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lead Buyer in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Lead Buyer. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within pharma or manufacturing, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships and budgets.
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 evolving role. Mention your strategic awareness and hands-on approach, and how you can contribute to the transformation of procurement operations.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; provide examples of how you've used them in past roles. Whether it's negotiating with suppliers or managing complex supply chains, we want to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RBW Consulting
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier evaluations and how you've managed relationships to ensure quality and compliance.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
This role requires a balance of strategic awareness and operational delivery. Prepare examples of how you've made sound decisions in high-pressure situations and how you've contributed to continuous improvement initiatives in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this position involves leading from the front, think of instances where you've taken charge in less-structured environments. Highlight your ability to coach and develop team members while ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Be prepared to discuss real-life challenges you've faced in procurement and how you resolved them. This could include managing budgets, costs, or inventory levels, as well as engaging directly with customers and suppliers to align expectations.
