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- Tasks: Manage procurement for critical defence programmes and ensure efficient supplier delivery.
- Company: Join a leading player in defence and national security with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to £55,000, hybrid working, and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful national programmes while achieving a genuine work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and SC clearance eligibility required.
- Other info: Work a 4-day week from Monday to Thursday near Bedford.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Senior Buyer Up to £55,000 salary with hybrid working 4-day working week (Monday to Thursday) SC clearance required – work on high-impact national programmes Based near Bedford with excellent career growth and varietyABOUT THE CLIENT: Our client is a key player in the defence and national security sector, delivering complex engineering and manufacturing solutions to high-profile UK and international programmes. With a reputation for technical excellence and a people-first culture, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation offering genuine work-life balance. Due to continued expansion across multiple projects, we are looking for a Senior Buyer to support activity across all stages of the product lifecycle. THE BENEFITS: Up to £55,000 salary Hybrid working on-site near Bedford; 50/50 split SC clearance sponsorship available Excellent progression and career developmentTHE SENIOR BUYER ROLE: You\’ll support strategic procurement activities across a broad range of engineering and operational categories. This will include managing supplier delivery for critical defence programmes and ensuring procurement is efficient, compliant and cost-effective. Working across both Direct (e.g. PCB, cables, components) and Indirect (e.g. CAPEX, services, facilities) procurement, you\’ll handle everything from RFQs and tenders to contract negotiation and supplier performance management. SENIOR BUYER ESSENTIAL SKILLS: Strong procurement experience within a similar Buyer / Senior Buyer / Procurement Officer role A blend of Indirect and Direct procurement experience Understanding of build-to-print, COTS and MOTs procurement Strong commercial and negotiation skills Able to manage supplier delivery against technical, cost and schedule targets Confident working cross-functionally with engineering, quality and operations teams Understanding of contract management, risk, and compliance Proficiency in MS Office – SAP experience is a bonus Must be eligible for SC clearanceTO BE CONSIDERED: Please either apply through this advert or email me directly via (url removed). For further information please call me: (phone number removed) / (phone number removed). By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only. KEY SKILLS: Senior Buyer, Procurement, Supply Chain, Indirect Buying, Direct Procurement, Defence, COTS, MOTs, Build to Print, Contract Management, SAP, SC Clearance, NSD
Senior Buyer employer: Searchability (UK) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Searchability (UK) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the defence and national security sector. Understanding the specific challenges and requirements of this industry will help you stand out during discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement and supply chain roles, especially those with experience in defence. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as they are crucial for a Senior Buyer role. Consider role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues to practice handling tough negotiations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only impress during interviews but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in both Direct and Indirect buying. Emphasise your strong commercial and negotiation skills, as well as any specific achievements in supplier management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of the defence sector and how your skills align with the requirements listed in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in MS Office and any experience with SAP. Discuss your understanding of contract management, risk, and compliance, as these are crucial for the Senior Buyer position.
Showcase Your Cross-Functional Experience: Demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and operations teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed supplier delivery against technical, cost, and schedule targets.
How to prepare for a job interview at Searchability (UK) Ltd
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous procurement roles, especially any experience with both Direct and Indirect procurement. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you successfully managed supplier delivery and how you ensured compliance and cost-effectiveness.
✨Demonstrate Strong Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, particularly in high-stakes environments. Discuss the strategies you used to achieve favourable outcomes and how you navigated challenges during the process.
✨Understand the Technical Aspects
Familiarise yourself with the technical requirements related to build-to-print, COTS, and MOTs procurement. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these concepts will show that you can effectively collaborate with engineering and operations teams.
✨Be Ready for SC Clearance Questions
Since SC clearance is required, be prepared to discuss your eligibility and any relevant background checks. Understanding the importance of security in the defence sector will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's values.
