Senior Buyer

Plessey Semiconductors; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Plymouth is looking for a Senior Buyer to enhance procurement operations and lead strategic activities within the semiconductor industry. Candidates should have proven experience in procurement, strong SAP knowledge, and a solid educational background in Business or Supply Chain Management. This permanent position offers a competitive salary of £40,000 – £45,000 along with benefits such as private health insurance and a subsidized gym.

Benefits

Private Health Insurance

Pension Scheme

Life Insurance Scheme

Onsite subsidised gym

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven Senior Procurement Experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with SAP in a Procurement function.
• Strong track record in translating strategic objectives into tangible results.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic procurement activities for capital equipment and materials.
• Drive commercial excellence in negotiations and supplier relationships.
• Identify and mitigate supply-chain risks unique to the semiconductor industry.

Skills

Purchasing

Sourcing

SAP

Negotiation

Materials Management

Procurement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business Studies or Supply Chain Management

CIPS qualification or working towards it

Tools

ERP Systems

SAP

Job description

Scope

Were seeking a highly accomplished and strategically minded Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team at our high‑tech manufacturing site. This pivotal role requires a seasoned professional to elevate our procurement operations bringing significant strategic input and commercial leadership within the cutting‑edge microLED and semiconductor industry. This role will report directly to the Supply Chain Manager .

This is a permanent vacancy and the normal working hours will be Monday to Friday 08:00am 04:30pm (with an hour for lunch) although there may be occasional need to work extended hours to meet critical deadlines. This is a permanent vacancy working at the Plessey Semiconductors Ltd site in Roborough Plymouth.

The salary for this role will be commensurate with skills / experience. Additional benefits include Private Health Insurance, Pension Scheme, Life Insurance Scheme, onsite subsidised gym and canteen, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead strategic procurement activities for capital equipment goods, materials and services ensuring optimal value, risk mitigation and adherence to specifications and budgets within the semiconductor environment.
• Drive commercial excellence by leading complex negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships globally to enhance service quality and foster innovation.
• Leverage expert SAP knowledge for end‑to‑end procure‑to‑pay process management system optimisation and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply‑chain risks, particularly those unique to the semiconductor industry, ensuring continuity and resilience.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to support project goals, manage change requests and contribute to the refinement of Procurement and Warehouse policies.
• Stay current on market trends and technological advancements advising stakeholders on potential impacts.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and act as a subject matter expert guiding internal teams.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven Senior Procurement Experience in a high‑tech manufacturing / technology environment, ideally within the semiconductor industry.
• Mandatory in‑depth knowledge and hands‑on experience with SAP within a Procurement function.
• Exceptional business acumen and commercial judgment with a strong track record of translating strategic objectives into quantifiable Procurement results.
• Advanced sourcing strategy development, strong negotiation, communication and influencing skills.
• Highly analytical, numerically astute and a proactive problem‑solver capable of navigating complex supply‑chain challenges.
• Ability to work collaboratively, engage diverse stakeholders and mentor team members.
• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business Studies or Supply Chain Management.
• CIPS qualification or actively working towards it.

The Company

The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees and provide support to clients from all over the country.

Life at Plessey

For more information visit

Benefits

• Cycle to work scheme
• Group personal pension plan and life assurance
• 28 days holiday entitlement
• Subsidised gym
• Private health and dental schemes
• Free on‑site parking
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free fruit and hot drinks
• Staff events
• Subsidised canteen
• Employee referral scheme

Testimonials

Sophie Senior HR Advisor
Since joining the HR team at Plessey I’ve had such great opportunities within the business to further develop my skillset at a time of exciting growth for the company. The people at Plessey really make this business what it is and the support network available to you on a daily basis is brilliant and something I’m proud to be part of.

Lee Purchasing Manager
At Plessey we are passionate about what we do and everyone on our team contributes towards achieving our company’s vision and success. It’s a great place to work and I really enjoy working here.

Required Experience

Senior IC

Key Skills

Purchasing, Sourcing, Procurement, HR Sourcing, SAP, Supply Chain Experience, ERP Systems, negotiation, Materials Management, Manufacturing, MRP, Contracts

Employment Information

• Employment Type: Unclear
• Experience: years
• Vacancy: 1
• Monthly Salary: £40,000 – £45,000