Senior Buyer

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company based in Plymouth is seeking a Procurement Specialist to shape its procurement strategy and drive commercial excellence. The role involves leading procurement activities, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring value while mitigating risks. Ideal candidates will have a background in Supply Chain or Business, CIPS accreditation, and demonstrable success in procurement within high-tech industries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• CIPS accreditation (or working towards completion).
• Proven experience as a Buyer or Procurement Specialist, ideally within high-tech.
• 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.
• Ability to work collaboratively, engage diverse stakeholders, and mentor team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic procurement activities for capital equipment, goods, materials, and services.
• Drive commercial excellence by leading complex negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Drive end-to-end procure-to-pay process management and system optimisation.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support project goals and manage change requests.
• Stay current on market trends and technological advancements.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and act as a subject matter expert.

Job description

About the Role

You will help shape the procurement strategy & drive commercial excellence. This position requires someone who thrives in an international environment and contributes to both tactical buying and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic procurement activities for capital equipment, goods, materials, and services, ensuring optimal value, risk mitigation, and adherence to specifications and budgets
• Drive commercial excellence by leading complex negotiations and managing strategic supplier relationships globally to enhance service, quality, and foster innovation
• Drive end-to-end procure-to-pay process management, system optimisation, and data-driven decision‑making
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks 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

Experience & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
• CIPS accreditation (or working towards completion)
• Proven experience as a Buyer or Procurement Specialist, ideally within high‑tech
• 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

Advantage

• Experience working with international suppliers and global supply chains
• Experience in high‑tech sectors such as semiconductors, consumer electronics, or photonics
• In‑depth knowledge and hands‑on experience with SAP within a Procurement function