Strategic Buyer - Metals

Strategic Buyer - Metals

Derby Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: As a Strategic Buyer, you'll develop sourcing strategies and manage supplier performance in a dynamic role.
  • Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a leader in shaping the modern world with a commitment to progress and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, professional growth opportunities, and a culture that champions inclusivity and creativity.
  • Why this job: This role offers impactful work at the intersection of aerospace engineering and global commodity markets.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, commercial mindset, and a degree in a relevant field are essential for success.
  • Other info: Experience in aerospace is not required; candidates from various industries are encouraged to apply.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Description

Strategic Buyer – Metals

Full time

Derby/Hybrid

Why join Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and we are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you’ll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that champions inclusivity, creativity, and your professional growth.

Position Summary

As a Strategic Buyer, you’ll play a key role in building a high-performing supply chain that supports our wider business performance and long-term success. From developing sourcing strategies and managing supplier performance to negotiating contracts and delivering key insights, this is a dynamic and impactful role. Working with materials such as nickel, titanium, and rare earth metals, you’ll help shape how we procure elemental ingredients critical to our manufacturing programmes.

Working at the intersection of global commodity markets, aerospace engineering, and supply chain resilience, you’ll join a small, specialist group responsible for securing access to the rare and critical metals that underpin our advanced manufacturing.

You\’ll balance data analysis with external market engagement, supplier management, and strategic sourcing. This is a role that combines long-term thinking with the agility to respond to real-time market fluctuations.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll work closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to deliver effective procurement strategies and supply chain solutions. You’ll take a data-driven approach, using market insights and analysis to guide decisions and support operational and commercial goals.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

  • Analysing market trends and demand to inform strategic sourcing decisions.
  • Working with elemental materials such as nickel, titanium, platinum, and rare earth metals.
  • Delivering strategic sourcing and contract management, including negotiations and pricing.
  • Managing large datasets to influence decisions and support programme delivery.
  • Researching and presenting market intelligence and commercial insights.
  • Identifying and mitigating financial and commercial risks.

Position Qualifications

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a strong commercial mindset, excellent analytical skills, the ability to build positive supplier relationships as well as a keen interest in global supply dynamics of metals. Experience in aerospace is not essential; we welcome candidates from other industries that heavily involved in the acquisition of critical minerals such as Electronics, EVs or Energy. Ideally, you’ll also bring:

  • An industrial background in metals or other relevant raw materials (e.g. plastics, glass).
  • Experience as a buyer in a regulated or complex industry.
  • Strong strategic analysis and data handling capabilities.
  • Understanding of procurement processes and commercial contract management.
  • A degree in a relevant field and/or CIPS qualification (desirable).
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that has shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Job Category

Procurement

Posting Date

12 Aug 2025; 00:08

Posting End Date

15 Sept 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr

Strategic Buyer - Metals employer: Rolls-Royce

At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions creativity and professional growth. As a Strategic Buyer in Derby, you will not only engage with cutting-edge materials but also benefit from our commitment to employee development and a culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that is shaping the future of aerospace and manufacturing.
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Contact Detail:

Rolls-Royce Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer - Metals

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the metals market, especially regarding nickel, titanium, and rare earth metals. Understanding these materials will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the procurement and supply chain sectors, particularly those who have experience in aerospace or industries dealing with critical minerals. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used data to influence procurement decisions in past roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Rolls-Royce's recent projects and initiatives related to supply chain resilience and procurement strategies. Being knowledgeable about the company's goals and challenges will help you stand out as a candidate who is aligned with their vision.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer - Metals

Strategic Sourcing
Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Negotiation
Market Analysis
Data Analysis
Commercial Acumen
Risk Management
Procurement Processes
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Negotiation Skills
Understanding of Commodity Markets
Analytical Skills
Agility in Decision-Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Strategic Buyer position at Rolls-Royce. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in procurement, data analysis, and supplier management.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have with metals or critical minerals, as well as your analytical skills and strategic thinking. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts in the past.

Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your communication, influencing, and negotiation skills in your application. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with suppliers or cross-functional teams in previous positions.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that connects your background and skills to the specific requirements of the Strategic Buyer role. Mention your interest in global supply dynamics and how you can contribute to Rolls-Royce's mission of progress and innovation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce

✨Research Rolls-Royce and the Role

Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research Rolls-Royce and understand their values, mission, and recent developments in the aerospace industry. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Strategic Buyer, especially regarding metals, to demonstrate your genuine interest and preparedness.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Strategic Buyer, strong analytical skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and how you've used market insights to inform sourcing decisions. Consider bringing examples of past projects where your analytical abilities led to successful outcomes.

✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

Negotiation is a key part of the role, so be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies and experiences. You might even want to role-play a negotiation scenario during the interview to showcase your skills in real-time, demonstrating your ability to influence and secure favourable terms.

✨Highlight Relationship Management Experience

Building positive supplier relationships is essential for a Strategic Buyer. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past, focusing on your communication and influencing skills. This will show that you can effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Strategic Buyer - Metals
Rolls-Royce
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  • Strategic Buyer - Metals

    Derby
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-17

  • R

    Rolls-Royce

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