Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

Leeds Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement for high-value projects, managing supplier relationships and ensuring timely delivery.
  • Company: Sulzer is a global engineering leader focused on innovation and sustainability in critical industries.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, private medical cover, and 33 days annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while working in a supportive, innovative environment.
  • Qualifications: CIPS qualification preferred; strong negotiation and project management skills required.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team with access to a gym, social club, and continuous learning opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Senior Buyer-Full Time-Leeds,United Kingdom

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

At Sulzer Leeds, we design and manufacture some of the largest and most complex engineered pump packages worldwide, serving key industries such as Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Renewable Energy. We’re seeking a Senior Buyer to lead procurement excellence across our specialised, high-value supply chain.

In this key role, you’ll be instrumental in sourcing specialised products, critical components, and expert services that keep major engineering projects on track. You’ll lead supplier negotiations, orchestrate delivery schedules, and proactively resolve issues to maintain seamless project flow. Managing thousands of intricate components across a sophisticated supply chain, you’ll apply strategic thinking and sharp commercial insight to secure the best quality, cost, and performance.

Your Main Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Lead procurement activities for assigned products and services, ensuring alignment with budget, project deadlines, and company policies.
  • Manage the full purchasing cycle — from requisition through order placement to delivery expediting and supplier issue resolution.
  • Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships that drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, delivery, and safety.
  • Conduct market benchmarking and analysis, negotiating terms to optimise competitiveness and cash flow.
  • Supervise a commodity team, overseeing smooth operations, accurate reporting, and prompt resolution of non-conformance issues.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

  • Preferably CIPS qualified, or demonstrable strong procurement experience within a related manufacturing sector.
  • Exceptional negotiation, influencing, and cost analysis skills.
  • Proven track record in managing supplier strategies and performance metrics.
  • Excellent communication, organisation, and project management abilities.

What We Offer You

  • 37-hour working week with flexitime.
  • Competitive basic salary plus annual
  • A personal bonus scheme based on company and personal performance
  • Private medical cover
  • 33 days annual leave.
  • Defined pension contributions.
  • Confidential support via Employee Assistance Programmes.
  • Access to discounts on shopping, entertainment, lifestyle, plus opportunity to apply for Costco membership.
  • Discounted personal car leasing for you, your family, and friends.
  • Long Service Awards celebrating your commitment.
  • Continuous learning through Sulzer Learning Pathways.
  • Free onsite parking with electric vehicle charging.
  • Multi-faith prayer room on site.
  • An active Sport & Social Club with weekly and monthly prize draws, outings, birthday surprises, and more.
  • 24/7 onsite gym facilities to keep you energised.
  • Subsidised vending machines.
  • A canteen serving hot and cold meals daily.

If you’re passionate about managing complex procurement in a world-class manufacturing setting, building strong supplier relationships, and making a measurable impact on high-stakes engineering projects, Sulzer Leeds is the place for you.

Do you have a question about the role?

Reach out to Kacie Humphries at Kacie.Humphries@sulzer.com . Our team is looking forward to hearing from you!

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.

About us

Sulzer is a global leader in critical applications for core infrastructure and processes for large essential industries around the world. We ensure the security, quality and durability of critical goods and services by supporting energy security, natural resource management and efficiencies in process industries. This in turn supports the transition to a circular economy. Our integrated solutions add significant value by enabling energy efficiency, carbon emissions and pollution reduction, and process efficiency improvements. Customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality through our responsive network of 160 world-class manufacturing facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2024, our 13’500 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.5 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN). www.sulzer.com

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Senior Buyer employer: Sulzer Ltd

Sulzer Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront. With a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical cover and generous annual leave, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, providing ample opportunities for career growth while promoting a healthy work-life balance through facilities like a 24/7 onsite gym and an active Sport & Social Club.
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Contact Detail:

Sulzer Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management, especially within the manufacturing sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who have experience in procurement roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can engage with others and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your negotiation successes and how you've managed supplier relationships in the past. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will showcase your skills and make you a more attractive candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Sulzer's recent projects and initiatives, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and engineering solutions. Showing that you understand their business and values will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer

Procurement Management
Supplier Negotiation
Cost Analysis
Market Benchmarking
Project Management
Communication Skills
Strategic Thinking
Supplier Relationship Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Organisational Skills
CIPS Qualification
Performance Metrics Management
Team Leadership
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in manufacturing sectors. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any CIPS qualifications you may have.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement and your ability to manage complex supply chains. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or improved processes in previous roles.

Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, include quantifiable achievements related to cost savings, supplier performance improvements, or successful project completions. This will demonstrate your impact in previous positions.

Showcase Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your communication, organisation, and project management abilities. These are crucial for the Senior Buyer role and can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sulzer Ltd

✨Research Sulzer's Values and Projects

Before your interview, take some time to understand Sulzer's mission and the specific projects they are involved in. Familiarise yourself with their focus on sustainability and innovation, as this will help you align your answers with their core values.

✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios

Given the importance of negotiation in the Senior Buyer role, be ready to discuss your past experiences. Prepare examples that showcase your negotiation skills, particularly in challenging situations, and how you achieved successful outcomes.

✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Experience

Highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and performance metrics. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've implemented to improve quality, cost, and delivery, as these are key aspects of the role.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You may be asked to explain complex procurement processes, so ensure you can convey your ideas in a straightforward manner.

Senior Buyer
Sulzer Ltd
Location: Leeds

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