Senior Buyer

First Military Recruitment; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

First Military Recruitment are seeking a Senior Buyer to lead a small specialist team in Reading. You will manage supplier relations, ensure contract compliance, and drive cost efficiencies across the supply base.

The role requires SC clearance, familiarity with contract terms, and experience in governance, risk management and training materials for stakeholders. This is a hybrid position with emphasis on delivering robust procurement outcomes within a compliant framework.

Qualifications

• SC clearance is essential or obtainable for the role.
• Experience in supplier management and contract governance.
• Knowledge of contract terms, IP and compliance.
• Ability to develop reporting and performance metrics.
• Strong stakeholder engagement across internal and external teams.

Responsibilities

• Motivate, develop and manage a small team of specialists.
• Review strategy and processes to implement best practice.
• Communicate contract terms and regulatory requirements to stakeholders.
• Support audit activities and provide documentation for reviews.
• Ensure adherence to supply chain processes and tools.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers and review key contracts.

Skills

SC clearance

Supplier management

Contract law

Stakeholder relationships

Contract negotiation

Training material development

Team coaching

Risk management

Job description

First Military Recruitment are currently seeking a Senior Buyer on behalf of one of our clients.

Through the management of a team of specialists and own specific knowledge, ensure that the company’s contracts with its supply chain are compliant with all relevant contractual, regulatory and legislative requirements.

Our client encourages applications from ex-military personnel however all candidates will be given due consideration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Motivating, developing and managing a small team of specialists, setting clear objectives and undertaking performance reviews.
• Actively participating in reviews of strategy and processes as required to identify and implement best practice and address identified risks and issues.
• Communicating information and providing training regarding the contract and associated terms and conditions, or other legislative/regulatory requirements to external and internal stakeholders.
• Support internal and external audit activities, establishing scope, providing material for review by auditors, attending audit reviews, agreeing and closing out actions.
• Ensure supply chain processes, procedures, tools and systems are adhered to, leading by example.
• Liaising with internal stakeholders to promote awareness and understanding of commercial contract terms and impacts such as IPR, quality standards etc.
• Managing all aspects of Approved Supplier List (ASL) and Preferred Manufacturers List (PML), including business resilience.
• Creating and maintaining supplier performance data and reports.
• Maintaining a library of clauses and standard contract templates ensuring compliance with mandatory flow down terms and conditions and maintaining an awareness of legal matters.
• Upkeep of key documentation, education and training as part of Schedule 37 compliance.
• Leading or assisting with negotiations with the supply chain including undertaking peer reviews of documentation such as contracts, confidentiality agreements, intellectual property agreements and compliance checklists.

Experience and Key Skills:

• Candidates must have or be able to obtain SC clearance as it is essential for this role.
• Provide technical expertise is one or more of the following specialisms;
• All aspects of supplier management including due diligence, relationship management and suppler development.
• Contract law, terms and conditions and negotiating sub· contracts.
• Developing and maintaining positive and productive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and promoting awareness of the SCM function.
• Provision of standard and bespoke business reports, analysis etc. and material for functional performance metrics and reviews.
• Resource management and planning to deliver required tasks, realising opportunities for savings and efficiencies.
• Identification and management of risks and opportunities within area of accountability.
• Creation and delivery of appropriate training material.
• Leading, coaching and developing a team at a local level to deliver team and personal objectives safely and securely to meet our operational plans.
• Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.

Contract: 12 months FTC

Location: Reading / Hybrid