Senior Buyer

To support the Procurement Manager in the development of a strategic plan for the effective management of key lines of spend. Give priority to the purchase of products for resale, taking the lead and full responsibility for the strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for all lines of spend in the business. The primary category focus for this role is lighting, under our Ovia brand, but the scope is not limited to this area and may extend across additional product categories as required. The role ensures cost-effective purchasing, continuity of supply, and high-quality standards while supporting operational efficiency and business growth. The position plays a critical role in driving supplier performance, negotiating supply agreements, and contributing to continuous improvement across the wider supply chain.

Procurement Strategy & Supplier Management

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of products for resale, in line with business requirements and demand forecasts.
• Develop and implement category strategies to optimise cost, quality, and service levels.
• Work closely with supply chain planning to ensure effective use of ERP / MRP systems to optimise stock levels and ensure product availability targets are met.
• Build, manage, and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply and performance.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms to deliver best value and mitigate risk.
• Support the Procurement Manager in developing and delivering an annualised plan of work that meets the requirements of the business, ensuring correct visibility of metrics that demonstrate positive progress being made.
• Identify and proactively support all relevant stakeholders, participating in key business meetings as required.
• Help coordinate and take responsibility for the achievement of all established metrics for the assigned area of responsibility, including but not limited to timely supply, upkeep of good quality data in systems and the efficient management of the purchase to pay process.
• Identify inefficiencies in procurement processes and implement improvements.
• Support the Procurement Manager in implementing best practice sourcing and purchasing procedures across the business.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance against agreed service level agreements including following up on any third-party supplier audits where corrective action related to purchased product is identified to ensure timely completion.

Cost Control & Commercial Performance

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and deliver measurable savings against budget targets.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply risks to inform procurement decisions.
• Ensure total cost of ownership is considered in all purchasing decisions.
• Manage all assigned new product development and other purchasing projects from inception, taking full responsibility for managing tenders, nominating suppliers, negotiating terms, obtaining samples, and ensuring timely response to all relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers, assessing audit requirements to ensure full compliance with company values and sustainability objectives.
• Conduct regular benchmarking of current product portfolios to ensure the business remains competitive and aligned with evolving market expectations.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes with accurate procurement data.
• Support, as required, any claims against supply partners through the provision of data and negotiation of a positive outcome.

Supply Continuity & Inventory Alignment

• Work closely with supply chain planners and inventory teams to ensure optimal stock availability.
• Ensure procurement plans align with demand forecasts and operational requirements.
• Proactively manage risks relating to shortages, delays, or supplier constraints.
• Support resolution of supply issues to minimise disruption to operations and customers.
• Raise awareness with stakeholders.

Data, Reporting & Systems

• Maintain accurate supplier, pricing, and purchasing data within MRP and other related systems.
• Develop and manage procurement KPIs such as:
• Cost savings and cost avoidance, recorded monthly on a balanced scorecard.
• Monitor relevant commodity and currency indexes to advise any negative impact on purchases in a timely fashion.
• Supplier performance and OTIF (On Time In Full).
• Lead times and service levels.
• Purchase price variance.
• Adherence to agreed contract terms & conditions.
• Create and maintain easily retrievable, good quality records.
• Produce clear and actionable reports for senior management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Supply Chain, Product Development, Inventory and Customer Services to ensure business needs are consistently met.
• Support new product introductions and business initiatives through effective sourcing.
• Collaborate with logistics and planning teams to ensure efficient inbound supply.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all company policies and regulatory requirements at all times.
• Manage supplier risk, including assessment of financial stability, quality standards, and ethical compliance.
• Monitor quality of delivered products, communicate and act when inferior quality is not being addressed by the supplying company.
• Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails for all purchasing activities.

General Duties

• Support business objectives through effective procurement planning and execution.
• Jointly ensure departmental objectives are achieved.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of the role.

Relationship Management & Collaboration

• Proven ability to build and maintain effective supplier and internal stakeholder relationships.
• Experience working within a matrix organisation, demonstrating strong collaboration, influence, and cross-functional communication skills.

Procurement & Commercial Expertise

• Strong experience in sourcing, purchasing, and category management.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively organise and prioritise own workload as well as coordinate the work of others to meet business objectives.
• Experience in negotiating legally binding framework contracts of supply and managing supplier performance.
• Understanding of supply chain processes including logistics, warehousing, and demand planning.
• Commercially astute, with a strong understanding of cost drivers.

Data, Systems & Analysis

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with high attention to detail.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems for procurement and reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to interpret complex datasets.

Essential

• A-levels or equivalent vocational qualifications in business, procurement or supply chain (or demonstrable experience).
• Achieved or working towards professional CIPS qualification.

Desirable

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Procurement, or a related field.

Benefits

• Option to purchase up to 5 extra days annual leave.