Buyer

Reed; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Exposure to international suppliers

Influential strategic role

Job summary

Reed is seeking a Strategic Buyer in Colchester to develop and execute sourcing strategies for key commodities, identify and qualify suppliers, and build robust supplier relationships to improve quality, cost, and delivery. You will lead negotiations, drive cost reductions, and support new product introductions from a procurement perspective.

The role requires 3-5 years in strategic procurement within manufacturing, with strong analytical skills and experience handling international suppliers.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in strategic procurement, sourcing, or category management within a manufacturing or engineered products environment.
• Demonstrated ability in supplier management and development.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and commercial improvements.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with international suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for key commodity groups.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers to support business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to enhance quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Lead supplier development initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Deliver measurable cost reduction and value engineering projects.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and cost modelling.
• Collaborate with Engineering teams to align technical requirements with supplier capabilities.
• Support new product introductions and manufacturing projects from a procurement perspective.
• Engage with international suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure a robust supply chain.
• Monitor supply chain risks and strategize for improvements.

Skills

UK work rights

Procurement experience

Supplier management

Cost savings

Negotiation skills

International suppliers

Analytical skills

Engineering drawings

Job description

Strategic Buyer

• Location: Colchester
• Salary: Competitive + Benefits
• Job Type: Full-time

Day-to-day of the role:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for key commodity groups.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers to support business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to enhance quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Lead supplier development initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Deliver measurable cost reduction and value engineering projects.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and cost modelling.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering teams to align technical requirements with supplier capabilities.
• Support new product introductions and manufacturing projects from a procurement perspective.
• Engage with international suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure a robust supply chain.
• Monitor supply chain risks and strategize for improvements.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship available).
• 3-5 years' experience in strategic procurement, sourcing, or category management within a manufacturing or engineered products environment.
• Demonstrated ability in supplier management and development.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and commercial improvements.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with international suppliers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Highly desirable: Experience in complex manufacturing, ability to understand engineering drawings, and exposure to global supply chains.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to join a highly respected manufacturing organisation.
• Strategic and commercially focused role with significant influence.
• Exposure to international suppliers and stakeholders.
• Collaborative environment working closely with Engineering and Operations teams.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.