Senior Buyer

Escape Recruitment Services; Kirkcaldy; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Buyer to join a dynamic manufacturing client. This role involves strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and building strong supplier relationships to enhance cost-efficiency across operations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a fast-paced procurement environment, excellent negotiation skills, and proficiency in ERP systems like SAP and Oracle. Join this team to drive supply chain success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in procurement/supply chain within fast‑paced manufacturing.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and cost savings.
• Strong knowledge of raw material markets, contracts, and supplier management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder skills.
• Proficient in ERP systems and analytics (SAP, Oracle, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing for raw materials, components, packaging, and services.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships focused on quality, delivery, and innovation.
• Negotiate contracts and tenders to secure competitive pricing and reliable supply.
• Collaborate with engineering and production on new product introductions and value engineering.
• Monitor markets, manage risks, and ensure continuity of supply.
• Use ERP and analytics to track performance, control spend, and drive efficiency.
• Mentor and develop procurement team members.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Tools

SAP

Oracle

ERP systems

Job description

Due to significant growth plans, our established manufacturing client has created a new role for a Senior Buyer.

The Senior Buyer will be hands‑on, commercially sharp and thrives on building strong supplier partnerships. You will take ownership of sourcing, negotiating contracts, tendering, and driving cost efficiencies across our manufacturing operations. You will be at the heart of our client’s supply chain, working closely with engineering, operations, and quality teams to keep production running smoothly.

The role:

• Lead strategic sourcing for raw materials, components, packaging, and services.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships focused on quality, delivery, and innovation.
• Negotiate contracts and tenders to secure competitive pricing and reliable supply.
• Collaborate with engineering and production on new product introductions and value engineering.
• Monitor markets, manage risks, and ensure continuity of supply.
• Use ERP and analytics to track performance, control spend, and drive efficiency.
• Mentor and develop procurement team members.

Experience and knowledge required for the role:

• Proven experience working in procurement/supply chain within fast‑paced manufacturing
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and cost savings.
• Strong knowledge of raw material markets, contracts, and supplier management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder skills.
• Proficient in ERP systems and analytics (SAP, Oracle, etc.).

If you are results‑driven, commercially minded and enjoy working across the full spectrum of procurement, then send your CV to find out more about this role.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industries

Manufacturing and Packaging and Containers Manufacturing