Senior Buyer

JR United Kingdom; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is seeking a proactive Senior Buyer to enhance their Purchasing team. This role focuses on optimizing supplier performance and driving procurement excellence across various categories, including facilities and professional services. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills and a proven track record in procurement, with a focus on cost savings and supplier performance improvements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of procurement experience, focusing on indirect categories.
• Experience in a multinational business/manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of ESG/sustainability considerations in procurement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for indirect materials and services.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement process including sourcing and supplier negotiation.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance and cost-effectiveness.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Contract management

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Team player

Education

CIPS, CPM, or similar procurement certifications

Tools

Procurement tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Senior Buyer to join our Purchasing team. This role is responsible for driving efficiencies by optimizing spend, building strong supplier relationships, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement across categories such as facilities, MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations), office supplies, operational consumables, professional services, logistics and packaging. Your goal will be to optimise supplier performance, ensure cost-effectiveness, and drive procurement excellence across the business.

Responsibilities & Key Tasks

• Develop and execute category strategies for indirect materials and services in alignment with organisational goals.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement process including sourcing, supplier negotiation, contract management, and performance evaluation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand needs and deliver value-driven procurement solutions.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, cost-effectiveness, and service levels.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and lead initiatives to capture savings while maintaining quality and service.
• Monitor market trends and conduct benchmarking to ensure competitive procurement practices.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and relevant regulations.
• Use data analytics and procurement tools to report on KPIs, savings, and procurement performance.
• Lead cross-functional projects related to procurement process improvements and digitalisation
• 5 plus years of procurement experience, with a focus on indirect categories.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and contract management skills.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in procurement tools, ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of sourcing strategies and supplier evaluation techniques.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Experience in a multinational business/manufacturing environment.
• Proven success in driving cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Strong understanding of ESG/sustainability considerations in procurement.
• Ability to communicate and interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong team player.
• Understanding of ESG/sustainability considerations in procurement.
• Ability to travel on occasions.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours when required.
• CIPS, CPM, or similar procurement certifications.