At a Glance
- Tasks: Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate contracts to enhance supply chain performance.
- Company: Join a well-established manufacturing business in Poole with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to influence purchasing strategy.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to fairness in recruitment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supplier performance and cost management in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a background in engineering or manufacturing.
Location: Poole
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £42,000 - £45,000 per annum
Hours: Day Shift with Flexible Working Hours
Are you an experienced Strategic Buyer with a strong background in supplier relationship management, contract negotiation and supply chain improvement? Would you like to join a well-established manufacturing business where you can develop long-term supplier partnerships and play an important role in improving cost, performance and supply chain resilience?
THOMAS Professional is recruiting for an experienced Strategic Buyer to join a successful engineering and manufacturing organisation based in Poole.
The Role
As a Strategic Buyer, you will take responsibility for developing relationships with key suppliers, improving supplier performance and supporting the delivery of long-term commercial agreements. Working closely with senior management, quality and supply chain teams, you will help reduce purchasing costs, manage supplier risks and ensure the continued availability of essential products and services.
Key Responsibilities
- Developing strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers
- Negotiating and renewing supplier contracts and long-term agreements
- Identifying opportunities to control or reduce supplier costs
- Conducting supplier performance reviews both internally and on-site
- Monitoring supplier performance and driving improvement actions
- Completing annual risk assessments for key suppliers
- Providing suppliers with long-term forecast information
- Maintaining accurate supplier records, agreements and documentation
- Supporting the management of the approved supplier list
- Ensuring appropriate confidentiality agreements are maintained
- Communicating ethical, quality and compliance requirements throughout the supply chain
- Supporting environmental and carbon-reduction initiatives across the supply chain
- Raising purchase orders and requests for quotation when required
- Providing additional support to the wider purchasing team during periods of absence
The Ideal Candidate
To be considered for this Strategic Buyer opportunity, you should have:
- Previous experience in a Strategic Buyer, Senior Buyer or similar procurement role
- Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation experience
- Experience managing contracts, long-term agreements and supplier performance
- A background within engineering or manufacturing; experience in a highly regulated industry would be advantageous
- Strong commercial awareness with excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills
Benefits
- Competitive salary of £42,000 - £45,000
- Permanent, full-time position
- Day shift
- Flexible working hours
- Opportunity to influence purchasing strategy and supplier performance
- Varied role within an established manufacturing business
- Supportive and professional working environment
If you are interested in this Strategic Buyer position and have the relevant experience, please apply with an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Strategic Buyer employer: THOMAS Professional
Join a leading precision engineering manufacturer in Poole, where you can thrive in a supportive work culture that values hands-on expertise and leadership development. With flexible working hours, a modern facility, and genuine opportunities for career progression, this role as a CNC Mill/Turn Machinist Team Leader offers not just a job, but a pathway to long-term stability and growth in the aerospace sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic 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 THOMAS Professional.
✨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 Strategic 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 THOMAS Professional:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to THOMAS Professional. 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 THOMAS Professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at THOMAS Professional
✨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 THOMAS Professional!
✨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 THOMAS Professional. 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 THOMAS Professional's culture.
