Lead Strategic Senior Buyer

Owen Daniels; Andover; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement consultancy in Andover is seeking a Lead Strategic Senior Buyer to join their team. The role combines strategic supplier management and leadership in a dynamic environment without direct reports. Candidates should have experience in strategic procurement and strong commercial skills, with a competitive salary and benefits including 25 days holiday. This hybrid role requires accountability and influence, focusing on performance and continuous improvement.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Cycle to Work Scheme

Learning & Development Opportunities

Reward Scheme

Voluntary and Community Activities

Sports and Social Club

CIPS investment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic procurement or Supplier Account Management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead through influence, driving performance without direct reports.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience in cost and contract management.
• Skilled in analysing supplier risk, performance, and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Take strategic ownership of sourcing direct materials and services.
• Proactively review purchasing processes, identifying and implementing improvements.
• Oversee procurement performance through KPIs, audits, and compliance tracking.
• Produce financial reports and promote a culture of cost awareness and long-term savings.
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract implementation, and formal RFQ processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Manufacturing, and Distribution.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
• Monitor and mitigate supply chain risk while ensuring supplier performance.
• Support ERP system implementation and contribute to shaping future-state Procurement strategy.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Supplier Account Management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

We're seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded Lead Strategic Senior Buyer to join a forward-thinking procurement team. This is a unique hybrid role — around 60% strategic Supplier Account Management and 40% leadership-focused — ideal for a Procurement professional who enjoys accountability and influence without direct line management responsibilities.

You'll combine high-level supplier strategy, performance management, and process improvement with oversight of procurement KPIs, compliance, and reporting. This position would particularly suit a Procurement Manager who wants to leverage their leadership skills in a hands-on, strategic environment without managing direct reports.

Role specifics — Permanent role based in Andover with a competitive salary; Monday-Thursday 8:00-16:45, Friday 8:00-13:00.

Responsibilities

• Take strategic ownership of sourcing direct materials and services
• Proactively review purchasing processes, identifying and implementing improvements
• Oversee procurement performance through KPIs, audits, and compliance tracking
• Produce financial reports and promote a culture of cost awareness and long-term savings
• Lead supplier negotiations, contract implementation, and formal RFQ processes
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Manufacturing, and Distribution to support cost-reduction and make-vs-buy initiatives
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers
• Monitor and mitigate supply chain risk while ensuring supplier performance and continuous improvement
• Support ERP system implementation and contribute to shaping future-state Procurement strategy

Essential Experience / Skills / Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic procurement or Supplier Account Management within a manufacturing environment
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to lead through influence, driving performance without direct reports
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience in cost and contract management
• Skilled in analysing supplier risk, performance, and market trends
• Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related discipline (desirable)
• MCIPS/ACIPS qualification preferred

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Reward Scheme
• Voluntary and Community Activities
• Sports and Social Club
• CIPS investment