Senior Buyer

Matchtech; Marlow; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading Defence organisation is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to manage procurement and drive supplier performance from Marlow. You will oversee supplier quality, negotiate contracts, and support strategic sourcing for defence projects. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in procurement within the defence or aerospace sector. This is a unique opportunity to influence supplier strategy and deliver cost savings in a dynamic environment.

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, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive self-starter with ability to work independently and take ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for assigned commodities to ensure best-in-class sourcing.
• Deliver year-on-year cost savings and productivity improvements.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts.
• Oversee supplier quality, delivery, and performance metrics.
• Support bid and new product introduction activities.
• Work closely with engineering and operations teams to optimise design.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Job description

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!