Senior Buyer

Copello Global; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence client is seeking a Senior Buyer to oversee key spend categories in a complex engineering and manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will manage supplier performance and sourcing strategies, ensuring quality and cost effectiveness. Ideal applicants will have at least 3 years of experience in buying, a relevant degree, and familiarity with MRP environments. This role also involves engagement with suppliers in new product introductions. Please note SC Clearance is required for the role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience as a Buyer with commodity experience.
• Experience in engineering and manufacturing supply chains.
• Knowledge of aerospace/defence markets is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage order placement and delivery in an MRP environment.
• Support supplier agreements alongside contract specialists.
• Improve supplier performance metrics.

Skills

Supplier performance monitoring

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Relationship building

Cost-reduction strategies

Education

Degree in business, operations, supply chain, or related field

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

Senior Buyer

Engineering & Manufacturing Environment

Working for a leading Defence client, Copello are looking for a Senior Buyer to take ownership of key spend categories and support the smooth supply of parts across a complex technical environment. This role is ideal for someone with non‑direct buying experience—such as indirect procurement, services purchasing, commercial support, supply chain coordination, or similar transferable backgrounds.

About the Role

You’ll act as the procurement lead for several important categories, managing the end‑to‑end supply of parts and ensuring suppliers deliver on quality, cost, and delivery expectations. Working closely with engineering, operations, and commodity teams, you’ll support new product introduction, supplier engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, building relationships, and driving improvements across a complex supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing order placement and delivery within an MRP environment
• Supporting long‑term supplier agreements with the help of contract specialists
• Monitoring and improving supplier performance (SOTIF, SDPPM, OTD)
• Supporting prototype sourcing and supplier involvement in early design
• Implementing sourcing strategies for assigned commodities
• Working with Buyers to negotiate pricing and delivery
• Identifying productivity and cost‑reduction opportunities
• Driving improvements in PPV and overall supplier value

Experience required :

• At least 3 years’ experience of working as a Buyer with commodity level experience
• A degree in business, operations, supply chain, or related field
• Experience of supporting the development and improvement of a complex supply chain within an engineering and manufacturing environment
• Exposure to the aerospace / defence market would be an advantage
• Insight into any of the following; PCB Assembly, CNC Machining, Compression, Injection Moulding, electronics and electro‑mechanical assembly, would be desirable
• Appreciation of commodity management & experienced in working within MRP environments

Please note SC Clearance is required for this role

If you feel you have the right skills and experience please apply, or send your CV to [e-mail] and we will be in touch for a further conversation