Senior Strategic Buyer

White Label Recruitment Ltd; Baildon; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Strategic Buyer to lead procurement for high-value components in a manufacturing environment. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in procurement, strong strategic sourcing skills, and the ability to manage supplier relationships. This role offers a salary between £45,000 and £50,000, and requires frequent travel across the UK.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in procurement within manufacturing or engineering.
• Proven record of delivering cost reductions and supplier-led innovations.
• Confident negotiator and influencer at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for complex components.
• Manage key supplier relationships and drive performance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate supplier contracts.

Skills

Sourcing strategies

Supplier management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Job Title: Senior Strategic Buyer
Location: Shipley / Leeds (frequent UK travel + occasional international)
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000
Job Type: Permanent

We're seeking a Senior Strategic Buyer to lead procurement activity for high-value, precision-engineered components and specialist services within a regulated, technically complex manufacturing environment. This is a critical role focused on ensuring continuity of supply, contractual strength, and long-term value for advanced production operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for complex components and services
• Deliver value through balanced cost, quality, and delivery approaches
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers aligned to quality and commercial objectives
• Manage key supplier relationships, host review meetings, and drive performance
• Draft, review, and negotiate supplier contracts to ensure legal and regulatory compliance
• Conduct market research and track emerging sourcing opportunities
• Implement and manage category strategies aligned with procurement objectives
• Build and secure a robust supply chain to support short and long-term business needs
• Lead tenders, supplier selection, and contract award activities
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Finance to align on requirements
• Apply structured risk management across critical spend areas
• Monitor and improve supplier performance using KPI data and feedback loops
• Resolve issues with delivery, quality or cost through active supplier engagement
• Champion sourcing within the wider business to improve cross-functional collaboration
• Support contract implementation to protect commercial interests and supply continuity
• Provide operational support and cover for peers and management when required
• Promote ethical procurement practices and professional integrity

Key Requirements

• 5+ years' experience in procurement within manufacturing or engineering
• Proven record of delivering cost reductions and supplier-led innovations
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, contract law, and supply chain risk
• Skilled in category management and supplier development
• Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret technical specifications
• Confident negotiator and influencer at all levels
• Commercially focused with a professional, solutions-driven mindset
• Excellent communication and cross-functional working skills
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business (CIPS desirable)
• ERP/MRP experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle) essential
• Organised, resilient, and methodical approach to procurement challenges
• Strong analytical skills and strategic thinking ability
• Able to travel frequently across the UK, with occasional international visits

Apply now to take ownership of key procurement activity in a high-tech, quality-focused manufacturing setting