At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical procurement and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Innovative CDMO in the medical devices and diagnostics sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impact, and career growth in a dynamic field.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and work on diverse projects with global reach.
- Why this job: Shape supply chain operations and drive improvements in a rapidly growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulated industries and strong negotiation skills required.
Location: Livingston, Scotland (Easily commutable from Edinburgh and Glasgow)
Salary: £44,000 - £52,000 per annum, DOE
Sector: Medical Devices & Diagnostics / Life Sciences
About the Opportunity
Our client is an incredibly innovative and rapidly growing Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) operating within the cutting-edge medical device and diagnostics sector. Following sustained expansion, they are now looking for an experienced and commercially minded Senior Technical Buyer to join their team in Livingston. This is a pivotal role supporting both fast-paced R&D programmes and commercial manufacturing operations for a diverse portfolio of UK and international customers. Sitting at the heart of the operation, you will take full ownership of technical procurement, supplier management, materials planning, and inventory coordination across multiple concurrent projects in a regulated, high-compliance environment.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
- Technical Procurement: Lead end-to-end purchasing and strategic supplier negotiations.
- Planning & Coordination: Manage production and material planning to ensure complete continuity of supply.
- Systems Management: Drive efficiency through the company’s ERP/MRP systems.
- Quality & Compliance: Monitor supplier performance and adhere to strict quality compliance standards.
- Continuous Improvement: Support scaling operations, inventory optimisation, and process improvement initiatives.
What We Are Looking For:
To be successful in this role, you will work closely with Engineering, R&D, Quality, and Finance teams. We are particularly keen to speak with procurement professionals from the following backgrounds:
- Medical Devices / Diagnostics / IVD
- Pharmaceuticals or Scientific Manufacturing
- Regulated engineering or technical production environments
Key Skills & Experience Required:
- Proven procurement and planning experience within a strictly regulated industry.
- A strong understanding of working to ISO 13485, GMP, or similar quality standards.
- Experience working within high-mix / low-volume manufacturing environments.
- Strong ERP/MRP capability (experience with Business Central is highly beneficial).
- The ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Excellent supplier negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity for a procurement specialist who thrives on variety, autonomy, and the chance to make a genuine impact. You will have a real opportunity to shape, develop, and improve supply chain operations as this life sciences business continues to scale globally.
To Apply:
For a confidential discussion or to find out more about this opportunity, please apply directly with your CV or get in touch.
STEM Recruitment Solutions Ltd operates as both a Recruitment Agency and a Recruitment Business. We endeavour to reply to all applications when possible however on occasions this may not be possible due to volumes of responses. STEM Recruitment is a Scientific, Engineering and Manufacturing Recruitment business supplying talented staff to permanent and temporary opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior technical buyer
✨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 STEM Recruitment.
✨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 technical buyer
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 STEM Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to STEM Recruitment. 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 STEM Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at STEM Recruitment
✨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 STEM Recruitment!
✨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 STEM Recruitment. 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 STEM Recruitment's culture.
