At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement excellence and manage strategic sourcing in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Leading engineering and manufacturing firm based in Bournemouth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in strategic buying, strong negotiation skills, and procurement expertise.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Are you an experienced Buyer looking to play a key role in driving procurement excellence within a leading engineering and manufacturing environment? We are seeking a proactive and commercially focused Strategic Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in Bournemouth. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of strategic sourcing activities, supplier development, project procurement and cost optimisation initiatives while working closely with Engineering, Quality and Operations teams.
As a Strategic Buyer, you will be responsible for integrating procurement strategies into new product development projects, ensuring robust supplier solutions are in place from concept through to serial production. You will also drive supplier performance, cost reduction programmes and procurement best practices to support long-term business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:- Project Procurement & Industrialisation
- Represent Purchasing throughout development projects, ensuring procurement readiness for successful product launches.
- Integrate sourcing and commodity strategies into project activities.
- Manage procurement of materials and components during project phases, ensuring availability, cost targets and delivery timelines are achieved.
- Work closely with suppliers, Engineering, Development and Supplier Quality teams to ensure manufacturability of new components.
- Obtain supplier quotations, lead commercial negotiations and establish supplier agreements.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Programme Management teams to ensure alignment on procurement decisions.
- Maintain accurate procurement and project data within business systems.
- Prepare structured project handover documentation for Operational Purchasing teams.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency and project execution.
- Participate in supplier qualification, auditing and part approval activities.
- Conduct supplier visits to assess capability, performance and development opportunities.
- Supplier Management & Strategic Sourcing
- Conduct supplier market analysis and identify new sourcing opportunities.
- Evaluate, qualify and develop suppliers across parts, assemblies and finished products.
- Lead supplier selection activities in collaboration with Quality and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Maintain approved supplier lists and ensure supplier risk mitigation strategies are in place.
- Drive supplier performance improvements across quality, delivery, cost and compliance metrics.
- Build strong supplier relationships to support long-term business growth and operational success.
- Cost Management & Commercial Performance
- Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, terms and conditions, NDAs and compliance agreements.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives through Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis and continuous improvement programmes.
- Conduct benchmarking activities against market trends and industry competitors.
- Monitor procurement budgets and deliver performance against key objectives.
- Establish and achieve procurement KPIs aligned with business goals.
- Provable Minimum 3 years' experience in a Strategic Buyer, Project Buyer or Senior Buyer role.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
- Proven experience in supplier management and supplier development.
- Excellent understanding of procurement processes, sourcing strategies and contract management.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in market research and data analysis.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement qualification.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation abilities.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on delivering measurable results.
- Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging technologies.
- Experience in stock profiling and demand forecasting.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% as required.
The successful candidate will be a driven procurement professional with a strategic mindset and a passion for supplier excellence. You will thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy working collaboratively across multiple departments to deliver innovative sourcing solutions and business improvements.
If you are an experienced Strategic Buyer or Procurement Specialist looking for your next challenge in Bournemouth, we would love to hear from you.
Strategic Buyer in Broadstone employer: Redline Group Ltd
Join a dynamic team in Bournemouth where your expertise as a Strategic Buyer will be valued and nurtured. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives and strategic sourcing projects, ensuring you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the engineering and manufacturing sector. With a focus on procurement excellence and strong supplier relationships, we offer a rewarding environment that supports both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer in Broadstone
✨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 Redline Group Ltd.
✨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 Strategic Buyer in Broadstone
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 Redline Group Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Redline Group Ltd. 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 Redline Group Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Redline Group Ltd
✨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 Redline Group Ltd!
✨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 Redline Group Ltd. 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 Redline Group Ltd's culture.
