Senior Buyer

Omega Resource Group; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in Ampthill is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer. This role emphasizes procurement of indirect services and requires strong negotiation skills, stakeholder management, and adherence to ITAR compliance. Ideal candidates will have a background in Engineering, Defence, or Manufacturing. The position requires full onsite work Monday and Tuesday, operating in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for SC security clearance.
• Proven experience in a Senior Buyer or Technical Buyer role with a focus on Indirect Procurement.
• Background in Engineering, Defence, Aerospace, or Manufacturing sectors highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute procurement activities across a range of Indirect categories.
• Support Direct Procurement activities as required.
• Work closely with stakeholders to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Job description

Senior Buyer

Location: Ampthill

Contract: Permanent

We are seeking a Senior Technical Buyer with strong experience in Indirect Procurement, and the flexibility to also support Direct Procurement activities. This role will sit within a fast-paced, engineering-driven environment and play a critical role in supporting the operational and strategic purchasing functions of the business.

The ideal candidate will have a background in Engineering, Defence, or Manufacturing, and demonstrate a clear track record in managing indirect spend categories such as IT, Facilities, Professional Services, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations).

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday (4-day working week)

Onsite Requirement: Mandated full days onsite Monday and Tuesday

Security Clearance: Must be UK-born and sole UK national (no dual nationality) due to ITAR restrictions.

Can start on BPSS but must be eligible and willing to obtain SC clearance.

Role Responsibilities Senior Buyer

• Manage and execute procurement activities across a range of Indirect categories, including but not limited to: professional services, IT hardware/software, travel, site services, and facilities.
• Support Direct Procurement activities as required, including sourcing parts, materials, and components for engineering or production.
• Work closely with stakeholders across departments to identify cost-saving opportunities, consolidate suppliers, and ensure best value procurement.
• Negotiate terms, contracts, and pricing with suppliers to secure optimal commercial outcomes.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and KPIs.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies, processes, and applicable regulations including ITAR and UK MOD procurement guidelines.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to support new projects, product introductions, and operational needs.
• Prepare and issue RFQs, evaluate responses, and conduct supplier assessments and selection.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in the procurement system (e.g., ERP or MRP systems).

An ideal candidate for the Senior Buyer role would have:

• UK-born and sole UK national (no dual citizenship) essential for compliance with ITAR regulations.
• Eligible for SC security clearance (can commence with BPSS).
• Proven experience in a Senior Buyer or Technical Buyer role with a strong emphasis on Indirect Procurement.
• Background in Engineering, Defence, Aerospace, or Manufacturing sectors highly desirable.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Experience working in a structured procurement function with ERP systems.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

For more information on this role, please contact Jules Bujalska on (phone number removed) or send a copy of your CV to (url removed)

Omega Resource Group is an employment agency specialising in opportunities at all levels within the Engineering, Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, Defence, Scientific, Oil & Gas, Construction and Manufacturing sectors.

Omega is an employment agency specialising in opportunities at all levels within the Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, Defence, Scientific, Energy & Renewables and Tech sectors.