Senior Buyer

JR United Kingdom; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer based near Maidenhead is looking for a Senior Buyer and Category Specialist to drive procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in strategic sourcing and excellent negotiation skills. The role offers competitive benefits, including a discretionary bonus and private healthcare, with significant career growth opportunities in a forward-thinking business.

Benefits

Up to 5% discretionary bonus

Private medical cover

Pension matched up to 8%

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years’ experience in procurement strategic sourcing.
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term category strategies to achieve cost savings.
• Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments.
• Lead RFx processes and supplier negotiations.

Skills

Procurement strategic sourcing

Contract management

Supplier relationship management

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or related field

MBA or related certification (e.g., CIPS, CPM)

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

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Senior Buyer and Category Specialist– Maidenhead - £55,000, to £65,000 5% Bonus, Car Allowance and Private Healthcare

Melbreck Technical are working with a leading designer and manufacturer of special purpose electro-mechanical and electronic equipment based near Maidenhead.

Due to a planned expansion, and succession planning for the next two to three years, they are actively looking for a Senior Buyer / Category Specialist to join the organisation as soon as possible.

This role comes with excellent career prospects as it is a critical position within the business’s growth strategy.

Senior Buyer and Category Specialist – Job Role:

Develop and implement long-term category strategies to achieve cost savings, improve quality, improve on-time delivery and reduce supply risk.

Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier assessments to identify sourcing opportunities, including supplier rationalisation.

Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ), supplier negotiations, cross-functional supplier selection, and contract negotiation / execution for strategic spend categories.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to understand their needs and align procurement strategies accordingly.

Support the Procurement Manager to manage supplier performance

Monitor industry trends, supply chain risks, and changes in the market that may influence sourcing plans.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams

Develop KPIs, dashboards, and reports to track category performance.

Identify opportunities for sustainability, innovation, and cost optimization.

Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.

Senior Buyer and Category Specialist – Candidate Requirements:

At least 5 to 7 years’ experience in Procurement strategic sourcing.

Strong understanding of strategic sourcing methodologies, contract management, and supplier relationship management.

Excellent analytical, negotiation (especially around Contracts and Frame Agreements), and stakeholder engagement skills.

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; MBA or related certification (e.g., CIPS, CPM) is a plus.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills

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

Experienced in working within MRP environments

Senior Buyer and Category Specialist– Benefits:

Up to 5% Discretionary Bonus

Private medical cover

Pension matched up to 8%

This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward-thinking business that can offer you excellent career growth opportunities.

If you are interested in this role, please Apply Now!