At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive innovation.
- Company: Woods Air Movement, a global leader in sustainable air solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Join a culture of ambition, innovation, and teamwork with excellent career support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable air technology and business growth.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualified with 3-5 years in strategic sourcing and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Strategic Buyer – Drive Innovation & Growth in Air Technology
Location
Colchester, Essex
Department
Sourcing
Reports to
- Head of Sourcing
- Make a Difference at Woods Air Movement
Are you ready to shape the future of sustainable air solutions for industries worldwide?
Woods Air Movement is a global leader in the design, testing, and manufacture of axial fans, renowned for our commitment to innovation, customisation, and operational excellence.
Join us and play a pivotal role in delivering value for our customers and the environment.
Why This Role Matters
As a Strategic Buyer, you’ll lead sourcing strategies and supplier relationships that directly impact our business growth, cost management, and ability to deliver world-class products.
Your expertise will help us stay ahead of market trends, drive continuous improvement, and ensure we remain at the forefront of air movement technology.
- What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for a diverse portfolio of commodities (e. g., electrical products, raw materials, machined components, packaging, fasteners, surface treatment, and indirect spend).
- Select, negotiate, and manage key suppliers to deliver cost savings and support our strategic business plan.
- Collaborate with internal teams (Engineering, Quality, Product Management, Operations) to drive innovation and achieve business objectives.
- Monitor market trends, risks, and emerging technologies to inform sourcing decisions.
- Ensure compliance with purchasing procedures and company policies.
- Lead supplier performance evaluations and drive continuous improvement.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of market conditions and alternative sources of supply.
- What You’ll Bring
- Graduate or post-graduate, CIPS qualified (essential).
- 3 – 5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost reduction within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- High level of computer literacy (MS Office, Excel).
- Experience working with international suppliers and cross-functional teams.
- Well-organised, proactive, and able to travel as required.
- Our Company Culture
At Woods Air Movement, our culture is built on ambition, innovation, and teamwork.
We set ambitious targets and go the extra mile to achieve them.
We challenge the status quo, encourage entrepreneurial thinking, and empower our people to take initiative.
Integrity and accountability are at the heart of everything we do.
We believe in working together, leveraging our diverse talents, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Here, your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your impact is recognised.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
- 4% pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Company sick pay
- Free tea & coffee
- Early finish on Fridays
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Sports & Social Club (voluntary)
- Long service awards
- Free car parking
- Employee Assistance Programme & mental health support
- Learning and development opportunities
- Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer, recruiting individuals on their suitability for the role, qualifications and experience.
We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds.
Right to Work
Due to limits on sponsorship allocations, we are not currently in a position to offer sponsorship for this position.
Applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK, and/or require visa sponsorship, cannot be considered.
No recruitment agencies please.
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us shape the future of air movement at Woods!
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Strategic Buyer in Colchester employer: Woods Air Movement
Woods Air Movement is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Colchester where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for professional advancement while working on impactful Defence projects. Our supportive culture encourages teamwork and open communication, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer in Colchester
✨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 Woods Air Movement.
✨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 in Colchester
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 Woods Air Movement:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Woods Air Movement. 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 Woods Air Movement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Woods Air Movement
✨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 Woods Air Movement!
✨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 Woods Air Movement. 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 Woods Air Movement's culture.
