Senior Buyer

Matchtech; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence organisation is looking for an experienced Senior Buyer based in Marlow. The role involves managing high-value categories, driving supplier performance, and ensuring the supply of materials for complex defence projects. Candidates should have extensive procurement experience in the defence sector and strong negotiation skills. This position offers a hybrid working model, allowing for 2-3 days on-site per week.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in procurement or purchasing within a defence or aerospace environment.
• Proven track record in supplier relationship management and cost reduction.
• Strong understanding of MRP systems and commodity management.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Proactive self-starter able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for assigned commodities.
• Deliver year-on-year cost savings and productivity improvements.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts.
• Oversee supplier quality and delivery performance.
• Support bid and new product introduction activities.
• Work with engineering and operations to optimise designs.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

Mediated cost reductions

Stakeholder management

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

Overview

A leading Defence organisation are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to take ownership of key commodities and drive supplier performance across major programmes.

• Duration: 12 Month Contract
• Pay: 500- 600 p/day (Inside IR35)
• Location: Marlow (Hybrid - 2/3 days on-site)
• Clearance: SC Eligible

As a Senior Buyer based in Marlow, you'll play a critical role in managing high-value and high-risk categories, ensuring the effective end-to-end supply of materials and services that keep complex defence projects moving.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for assigned commodities, ensuring best-in-class sourcing and supplier management.
• Deliver year-on-year cost savings and productivity improvements in line with business objectives.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts.
• Oversee supplier quality, delivery, and performance metrics, including SOTIF and SDPPM.
• Support bid and new product introduction (NPI) activities with strategic sourcing input.
• Work closely with engineering and operations teams to optimise design for manufacture and supplier involvement.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement and total cost reduction initiatives.

Key Requirements

• Extensive experience in procurement or purchasing within a defence or aerospace environment.
• Proven track record in supplier relationship management and cost reduction.
• Strong understanding of MRP systems and commodity management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive self-starter with the ability to work independently and take ownership.

This is a fantastic opportunity in Marlow to make a measurable impact in a highly respected Defence organisation, taking ownership of key commodities and shaping supplier strategy for the future.

If you're an experienced Senior Buyer seeking an influential role within the Defence sector - Apply Now!