Senior Buyer

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

Job summary

A manufacturing company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Buyer to enhance procurement processes. The ideal candidate will lead strategic sourcing for materials and services, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate contracts to optimize costs. Required experience includes procurement in manufacturing, strong negotiation skills, and proficiency in ERP systems like SAP or Oracle. This role is pivotal in ensuring production efficiency and supply chain continuity.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement/supply chain within fast-paced manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of raw material markets and supplier management.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing for raw materials, components, packaging, and services.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships.
• Negotiate contracts to secure competitive pricing.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Cost savings

Communication

Tools

SAP

Oracle

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 clients supply chain, working closely with engineering, operations, and quality teams to keep production running smoothly.

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.