Principal Buyer

Jobtailor; Bath; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Bath is seeking an experienced procurement professional to lead sourcing for high‑value goods and services, and to manage key supplier relationships. You will develop category strategies, negotiate terms, and provide market insight to support strategic planning.

The role requires strong negotiation, cost analysis and governance experience, with a track record of delivering commercial value and process improvements across a procurement team.

Qualifications

• GCSEs Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above.
• CIPS Level 4 minimum; Level 5/6 or equivalent professional procurement qualification desirable.
• Relevant procurement, commercial or supply chain qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Significant procurement and strategic sourcing experience, preferably within an aviation, engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience of leading complex negotiations, managing key supplier relationships and delivering commercial outcomes.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse cost, risk, contractual exposure and supply market opportunities.
• Highly effective stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels across the business and supplier base.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and numerically strong, with proven problem‑solving, decision‑making and prioritisation capability.
• Proven direct line management experience, including performance management, objective setting, coaching and developing team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activity for complex or high‑value goods, materials, components and services in line with commercial, operational and programme requirements.
• Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies that enhance supply continuity, reduce risk and deliver measurable commercial value.
• Take ownership of key supplier relationships, including performance management, contract compliance, escalation management and the delivery of supplier improvement plans.
• Lead negotiations relating to contracts, pricing, service levels and terms of business using recognised procurement and commercial best practice.
• Provide market intelligence, supplier insight and cost analysis to support informed decision‑making, budget control and strategic planning.
• Assess tenders and quotations and make robust recommendations based on commercial, operational, quality and risk considerations.
• Support new product introduction, project delivery and operational initiatives by engaging stakeholders early and advising on procurement risks, opportunities and dependencies.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction, value improvement and process efficiency initiatives across the supply base and wider procurement function.
• Ensure the accurate and timely placement of purchase orders and contracts in accordance with negotiated terms and company policies.
• Resolve supplier issues relating to price, quality, delivery, capacity or invoice discrepancies in a timely, professional and commercially appropriate manner.
• Contribute to procurement governance, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement activities, including KPI performance monitoring and audit readiness.
• Directly line manage Buyers and/or Junior Buyers, including allocation of workload, setting objectives, performance management, absence management, coaching and development.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, guidance and coaching to Buyers or Junior Buyers and support capability development across the team.
• Where required, act as a workstream or functional lead on procurement initiatives and deputise for the Procurement Manager in agreed areas of responsibility.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

Contract negotiations

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Cost reduction initiatives

Education

GCSE Maths and English

CIPS Level 4 minimum

CIPS Level 5/6 or equivalent

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activity for complex or high‑value goods, materials, components and services in line with commercial, operational and programme requirements.
• Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies that enhance supply continuity, reduce risk and deliver measurable commercial value.
• Take ownership of key supplier relationships, including performance management, contract compliance, escalation management and the delivery of supplier improvement plans.
• Lead negotiations relating to contracts, pricing, service levels and terms of business using recognised procurement and commercial best practice.
• Provide market intelligence, supplier insight and cost analysis to support informed decision‑making, budget control and strategic planning.
• Assess tenders and quotations and make robust recommendations based on commercial, operational, quality and risk considerations.
• Support new product introduction, project delivery and operational initiatives by engaging stakeholders early and advising on procurement risks, opportunities and dependencies.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction, value improvement and process efficiency initiatives across the supply base and wider procurement function.
• Ensure the accurate and timely placement of purchase orders and contracts in accordance with negotiated terms and company policies.
• Resolve supplier issues relating to price, quality, delivery, capacity or invoice discrepancies in a timely, professional and commercially appropriate manner.
• Contribute to procurement governance, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement activities, including KPI performance monitoring and audit readiness.
• Directly line manage Buyers and/or Junior Buyers, including allocation of workload, setting objectives, performance management, absence management, coaching and development.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, guidance and coaching to Buyers or Junior Buyers and support capability development across the team.
• Where required, act as a workstream or functional lead on procurement initiatives and deputise for the Procurement Manager in agreed areas of responsibility.

Requirements

• GCSE or equivalent Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above
• CIPS Level 4 minimum, with Level 5/6 or equivalent professional procurement qualification desirable
• Relevant procurement, commercial or supply chain qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Significant procurement and strategic sourcing experience, preferably within an aviation, engineering or manufacturing environment
• Demonstrable experience of leading complex negotiations, managing key supplier relationships and delivering commercial outcomes
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse cost, risk, contractual exposure and supply market opportunities
• Highly effective stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels across the business and supplier base
• Excellent negotiation, communication, influencing and interpersonal skills
• Analytical and numerically strong, with proven problem‑solving, decision‑making and prioritisation capability
• Proven direct line management experience, including performance management, objective setting, coaching and developing team members.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation, with a strong focus on delivering commercial value and process efficiency. Proven ability to lead teams, manage stakeholders, and drive procurement governance and compliance.