Senior Buyer

Eaton; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton in Weymouth, United Kingdom, seeks a Senior Buyer to lead strategic sourcing of electronic components and related materials for production and business objectives. You will develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost reductions while ensuring supply continuity and quality across global operations.

Responsibilities include negotiating contracts, overseeing NPI support, and maintaining ERP/MRP data.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
• CIPS Level 4 or working towards qualification.
• Qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business or related discipline.
• Experience in electronics, aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing.
• Experience supporting NPI projects and supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with global sourcing and international supply chains.
• Senior Buyer/Buyer experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience sourcing electronic components and related materials.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management.
• Proven success in cost reduction and value improvement.

Responsibilities

• Source electronic components and manage supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms.
• Ensure continuity of supply and mitigate component shortages.
• Drive cost reduction and inventory optimisation initiatives.
• Monitor market conditions, lead times, and component availability.
• Evaluate and improve supplier performance.
• Support new product introductions and engineering requirements.
• Resolve supply, quality, and delivery issues.
• Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procurement procedures.

Skills

Electronics sourcing

Negotiation

Cost reduction

Inventory planning

Supply chain risk

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

ERP/MRP systems

Education

GCSEs English & Mathematics

CIPS Level 4 or higher

Degree in Supply Chain/Procurement/Business

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing and procurement of electronic components and related materials to support production and business objectives. The role develops sourcing strategies, manages supplier relationships, negotiates commercial agreements, and ensures continuity of supply while driving cost reduction, inventory optimisation, and supplier performance improvements.

What you’ll do:

• Source electronic components and manage supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms.
• Ensure continuity of supply and mitigate component shortages.
• Drive cost reduction and inventory optimisation initiatives.
• Monitor market conditions, lead times, and component availability.
• Evaluate and improve supplier performance.
• Support new product introductions and engineering requirements.
• Resolve supply, quality, and delivery issues.
• Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procurement procedures.

Qualifications:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• CIPS qualification (Level 4 or above) or working towards qualification.
• Relevant qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience within the electronics, aerospace, defence, or high-tech manufacturing sectors.
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) projects.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with global sourcing and international supply chains.
• Proven experience in a Senior Buyer or Buyer role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience sourcing and procuring electronic components and associated materials.
• Strong supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Demonstrated success in delivering cost reduction and value improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing supplier performance and developing strategic supplier relationships.

Skills:

• Electronic component sourcing expertise
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Cost reduction and commercial awareness
• Inventory planning and control
• Supply chain risk management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of inventory management, demand planning, and supply chain processes.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools.
• Ability to manage component shortages, supply risks, and market fluctuations.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work in a global, highly collaborative environment
• Challenging projects in dynamic collaborative team
• Strong focus on learning, development, and career progression
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• A culture that promotes inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement

#LI-NK2

All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process.All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.