Senior Buyer

IO; Bradley Stoke; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in Bradley Stoke seeks a Senior Buyer to ensure uninterrupted production through effective raw material purchasing. The ideal candidate will influence stakeholders, enhance purchasing processes, and build solid supplier relationships. Applicants should demonstrate strong organizational and analytical skills, possess advanced Excel capabilities, and excel in communication and negotiation. Join a dynamic team dedicated to optimizing supply chain performance and capabilities.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to build credibility and influence stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with a structured approach.
• Natural analytical mindset for problem-solving.
• Confident in communication and negotiation.
• Ability to adapt to fast-moving environments.
• Collaborative in building relationships.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of raw material purchasing.
• Act as a key interface with suppliers.
• Work closely with planning and production teams.
• Enhance purchasing processes and systems.
• Support and coach Buyers in the team.
• Track supply chain performance and drive improvements.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Adaptability

Collaboration

Advanced Excel skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Buyer

We are looking for a Senior Buyer to play a pivotal role in keeping our client's manufacturing operations running smoothly and sustainably. In this position, you will help shape how materials flow through the business, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure availability, resilience, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Reporting into the Supply Chain leadership team, you'll be trusted to make sound commercial decisions, influence stakeholders, and help elevate operational buying capability across the function.

What you'll be doing

• Taking ownership of raw material purchasing to support manufacturing plans and ensure production remains uninterrupted
• Acting as a key interface with suppliers, building long‑term partnerships, driving performance, and securing commercially sound agreements
• Working closely with planning, production, and commercial colleagues to ensure buying decisions align with operational priorities and wider business objectives
• Playing an active role in enhancing purchasing processes, systems, and ways of working, contributing ideas that improve efficiency and resilience
• Supporting and coaching Buyers within the team, sharing expertise and helping to develop capability and confidence
• Using data and insight to track supply chain performance, identify trends, and drive improvements in service levels and inventory health

What you'll bring

• The ability to build credibility and influence across a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills, with a structured approach to prioritisation and delivery
• A naturally analytical mindset, using insight and evidence to solve problems and improve outcomes
• Confident communication and negotiation skills, both internally and with external partners
• Adaptability and resilience when working in a complex, fast‑moving environment
• A collaborative approach, with a focus on building trusted relationships
• Strong digital capability, including advanced Excel skills and confidence using Microsoft Office tools
• Commercial judgement, with the ability to balance cost, risk, and operational requirements