Strategic Buyer

Solutions Driven is hiring on behalf of our client, who is a manufacturer in the aerospace and high-tech electronics sector. This role is based near Reading, England, with a Hybrid working mode (3 days onsite).

Overall

This role is critical to our success, acting as a pivotal link between the early program development, bid proposals, and the strategic establishment of a robust, competitive, and reliable supply chain. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of strategic sourcing principles, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to achieve optimal outcomes for complex programs.

Main Duties:

Procurement Bid & Proposal Support:

• Act as the primary procurement point of contact for new business pursuits, bid proposals, and strategic procurement initiatives.
• Provide early supply chain intelligence, including market analysis, supplier capabilities, and long-lead item identification, to support \”make vs. buy\” decisions.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates for materials and services, leveraging market data, historical performance, and supplier insights.
• Lead and participate in strategic supplier engagements during the bid phase, including RFQ development, proposal evaluation, and preliminary negotiations to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with new programs, including single-source dependencies, geopolitical factors, and technical challenges.
• Contribute to the development of winning bid strategies by identifying opportunities for cost reduction, innovation, and supply chain optimization.
• Ensure compliance with all internal procurement policies, government regulations, and customer flow-down requirements during the bid process.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management for Programs

• Translate program requirements into strategic sourcing plans, defining the optimal supply chain for new and existing products.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers that align with the client’s strategic objectives and program needs.
• Make use of category strategies for assigned commodities, focusing on total cost of ownership (TCO), quality, delivery, and technology alignment.
• Lead complex contract negotiations with suppliers, establishing long-term agreements, pricing structures, and performance metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base, including supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and cost reduction opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Operations to ensure seamless material flow and support program execution.
• Proactively monitor supplier performance against established KPIs, address issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.

General Procurement Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP), including supplier information, pricing, and contract details.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and supply market dynamics to inform sourcing strategies.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced buyers as required.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and tools.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor\’s degree in a relevant field [e.g., Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field].
• Mid-Level: 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related supply chain role.

Special Qualifications

• Desirable- Full member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)