Senior Buyer
Location: Essex
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About the Role
We are currently partnering with a leading UK-wide distributor, who operates a large product range with export and domestic operations. They are seeking a commercially astute Senior Buyer to join their procurement team and drive strong category performance. This is a pivotal role where you will take ownership of sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, and cost‑management for key product lines, contributing directly to margin growth, inventory optimisation, and long‑term profitability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end‑to‑end procurement cycle: issue RFQs, evaluate quotations, negotiate terms, place orders, and manage supplier performance.
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies across the product range.
- Identify and evaluate new suppliers globally, ensuring they meet quality, compliance, and cost standards.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders (sales, technical, logistics) to align buying strategies with business demand and delivery schedules.
- Analyse market trends, cost drivers, and product performance data to deliver cost savings while maintaining product quality.
- Monitor inventory levels, lead times, and forecast demand to reduce risk and improve working capital.
- Implement and maintain procurement policies, standards, and KPIs to ensure best‑in‑class purchasing performance.
About You
- You have significant experience working in buying/procurement, preferably in a wholesale, import, or reseller environment.
- Excellent commercial acumen: comfortable analysing costs, negotiating with suppliers, and influencing decisions.
- Solid relationship‑building skills: strong supplier management, contract negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Systems‑savvy: competent in using procurement or ERP tools to track KPIs, supplier performance, and purchasing metrics.
- Analytical thinker: able to evaluate market trends, make data‑driven decisions, and present insights clearly.
- A self‑starter who is not afraid to take calculated risks to drive value.
- Ideally qualified (or working toward) CIPS.
Why This Is an Excellent Opportunity
- Work within a market‑leading distributor, supplying a vast range of industrial and trade products globally.
- Exposure to a broad and technically varied product catalogue.
- Influence major commercial decisions and drive significant cost‑savings and margin improvements.
- A collaborative, fast‑paced environment with strong potential for professional development and progression.
Interested?
If you are interested in the role please do apply via the link attaching your cv.