Senior Commodity Buyer

KHR - Recruitment Specialists; Marden; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Commodity Buyer located in Marden, Kent. The successful candidate will manage the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing and negotiating with suppliers. This role requires strong negotiation, supplier management skills, and experience in procurement within a manufacturing environment. The salary ranges from £40,000 to £50,000, complemented by benefits including a commitment to sustainable practices.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain roles.
• Ability to analyse data, interpret market trends, and make decisions.
• Experience managing global suppliers or complex commodity categories.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for assigned commodities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers.
• Prepare and present cost analysis and negotiate commercial terms.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPS qualification or working towards

Tools

ERP/MRP/SAP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Senior Commodity Buyer

Location: Marden, Kent

Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 plus benefits

Our client, a well‑established company based on the outskirts of Maidstone, Kent, is seeking an experienced Commodity Buyer / Senior Buyer to join their team. As a global leader in design and manufacturing, they are committed to accelerating society’s transition to a cleaner, healthier world.

Role Overview

The Commodity Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing assigned commodity categories to ensure consistent supply, cost competitiveness, and strong supplier performance. The role supports production requirements while driving cost savings, quality improvements, and long‑term supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement & Sourcing
  • Manage the end‑to‑end procurement process for assigned commodities
  • Source new suppliers and evaluate alternative materials or components to reduce cost and improve supply continuity
  • Conduct market research to track pricing trends, supply risks, and global commodity movements
  • Review RFQs, negotiate pricing, and secure best‑value agreements aligned with business objectives
• Supplier Management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers
  • Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and compliance
  • Conduct supplier reviews, audits, and performance improvement activities
  • Resolve supply issues and elevate risks when required
• Cost & Contract Management
  • Support cost‑saving and value‑engineering initiatives while ensuring material availability
  • Prepare and present cost analysis, forecasts, and supplier proposals
  • Negotiate commercial terms, long‑term agreements, and service‑level expectations
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Planning teams
  • Support new product development by sourcing appropriate materials and components
  • Ensure procurement decisions align with manufacturing efficiency and company strategy
• Data, Systems & Compliance
  • Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP/MRP systems
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and ethical sourcing practices
  • Track commodity KPIs and produce reports as required

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain roles (manufacturing or engineering preferred)
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Ability to analyse data, interpret market trends, and make cost‑effective decisions
• Experience using ERP/MRP/SAP systems and Microsoft Excel
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable

• CIPS qualification or working towards
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience managing global suppliers or complex commodity categories

Key Competencies

• Commercial awareness
• Decision‑making
• Problem‑solving
• Relationship building
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and resilience
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent sales and negotiation skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Well‑organised with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good administrative skills and proficiency in relevant software

Apply now to join a driver of sustainable manufacturing.