INTERNAL ONLY
Job Title: Lead Buyer
Department: Supply Chain
Location: Any UK Office/Hybrid
About Us
Segen Ltd, the UK’s largest wholesale distributor of Solar PV, Energy Storage, and EV Charging products, has been driving the transition to clean technology since 2004. Now part of the Labora Group, with a turnover exceeding £300m, we support commercial and residential installers across the UK and Europe with our industry-leading portal, design tools, and service.
Our Mission
To enable renewable energy generation for every home and business worldwide. Every action we take contributes to a more sustainable future.
Role Overview
The Lead Buyer is responsible for delivering commercial value through effective supplier management, strategic procurement, and stock optimisation. The role ensures product availability, drives cost savings, and supports business profitability while collaborating cross-functionally to meet wider organisational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Financial Performance
- Deliver cost savings and margin improvement through supplier negotiation, rebates, and cost avoidance.
- Improve payment terms and commercial agreements to support business cash flow.
- Manage and grow a high-value supplier portfolio, ensuring commercial performance targets are met.
Supplier Management & Strategy
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers (e.g. strategic brands and partners).
- Lead commercial negotiations and supplier reviews to drive continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement supplier strategies, including long-term agreements (LTTs), rebates, and pricing structures.
Stock & Inventory Management
- Ensure high levels of product availability in line with business KPIs.
- Balance stock levels against demand forecasts, working capital targets, and ABL requirements.
- Proactively manage obsolete and excess stock to minimise write-down risk.
Data, Reporting & Systems
- Utilise data (e.g. Power BI, internal systems) to inform decision-making and track performance.
- Improve reporting accuracy and visibility to support the Buying function.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Finance, and Tech teams.
- Support resolution of product, supplier, and customer-related issues.
- Align purchasing activity with wider business goals and priorities.
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide support, mentoring, and guidance to junior buyers or purchasing colleagues.
- Contribute to team development, knowledge sharing, and best practice.
- Lead or support team initiatives and process improvements.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Supplier relationship management
- Analytical and data-driven decision-making
- Effective communication and stakeholder management
- Agility and ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment
- Problem-solving and resilience
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
Experience & Knowledge
- Proven experience in a buying, procurement, or supply chain role
- Experience managing supplier relationships and commercial agreements
- Understanding of stock management, forecasting, and supply chain processes
- Experience using data/reporting tools (e.g. Excel, Power BI)
- Delivery of cost savings and margin improvement
- Stock availability and inventory performance
- Supplier performance and relationship strength
- Contribution to business cash flow and working capital targets
- Stakeholder feedback and cross-functional collaboration
- Team contribution and development of others
What We Offer
- 25 days holiday
- Uncapped commission
- EV car scheme
- Pension & life assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted products
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Ongoing career development
- Staff events and surprises
At Segen, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to build on our already inclusive culture.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability.
We are dedicated to creating equal opportunities for all, and we encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Join us in shaping a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.
Join us and help shape the future of clean energy – one installation at a time.
