At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop sourcing strategies and manage supplier performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Leading manufacturing business in Derby with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55k, car allowance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and potential permanent position after 18 months.
- Why this job: Join a well-established organisation and make a real impact on procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement roles with strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
Location: Derby
Salary: up to £55k plus car allowance
Hybrid Working
SF Recruitment are partnering with a leading manufacturing business in Derby to recruit a Senior Buyer on a permanent basis. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established organisation operating within a highly regulated manufacturing environment, where you'll play a key role in developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier performance, and driving commercial value across direct material categories. This is an initial 18 month contract with a chance the role could become permanent.
Reporting into the Procurement function, you will be responsible for the strategic management of direct commodities, ensuring the business has a high-performing and resilient supply base that supports operational and commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies for direct commodities.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support business growth.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance improvements across cost, quality, and delivery.
- Lead supplier negotiations, including pricing, contracts, and commercial agreements.
- Monitor supplier KPIs and manage supplier development activities.
- Analyse purchasing data, market trends, and commodity risks to support strategic decision-making.
- Work collaboratively with Engineering, Production, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to align procurement activity with business requirements.
- Resolve supply chain issues and proactively manage supply risk.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to optimise the supplier base.
About You
- Previous experience within a Commodity Manager, Category Manager, Senior Buyer, or Strategic Buyer position.
- Strong supplier management, sourcing, and contract negotiation experience.
- Excellent commercial awareness with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier performance.
- Ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Previous experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, or another industrial environment.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience using ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
A professional procurement qualification such as CIPS (or equivalent) would be advantageous but is not essential.
If you're an experienced procurement professional looking to take the next step in your career within a strategic Commodity Management role, please apply with a copy of your CV today.
Senior Buyer in Derby employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while being part of a high-performing team dedicated to driving success. The company values operational excellence and provides a competitive salary, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Derby
✨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 SF Partners.
✨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 Senior Buyer in Derby
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 SF Partners:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SF Partners. 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 SF Partners.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨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 SF Partners!
✨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 SF Partners. 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 SF Partners's culture.
