Senior Strategic Buyer

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a Senior Strategic Buyer to enhance their procurement processes within the Food and Cosmetic Manufacturing sector. This pivotal role involves sourcing high-quality raw materials, negotiating supplier contracts, and driving cost-saving initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business goals and support product innovation. If you have a strong background in strategic sourcing and a passion for sustainability, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement in food or cosmetic manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of cost analysis and supplier performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and monitor market trends.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Contract Negotiation

Supplier Relationship Management

Cost Analysis

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Leadership Skills

Problem Solving

Sustainability Practices

Industry Regulations Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Master's degree or relevant certification (CIPS, CPSM)

Tools

ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)

Procurement Software

Job description

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We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Strategic Buyer to join our team within the Food and Cosmetic Manufacturing sector. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in sourcing and managing key supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and driving cost-saving initiatives while ensuring the supply of high-quality raw materials, ingredients, and packaging. This position will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including production, R&D, and quality assurance, to support business goals and product innovation.

Role Responsibilities

1. Develop and execute long-term procurement strategies that align with business objectives, cost-saving goals, and sustainability initiatives.
2. Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms, pricing, and compliance with industry regulations and standards.
3. Collaborate with internal stakeholders (R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Finance teams) to anticipate future needs, align procurement strategy, and drive product innovation.
4. Monitor and analyze market trends, supplier performance, and risks to identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and supply chain optimization.
5. Ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials, and manage any potential supply chain disruptions or bottlenecks.
6. Drive sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives, working with suppliers to ensure compliance with environmental and social responsibility standards.
7. Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for procurement processes, reporting on supplier performance and procurement savings.
8. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, regulations, and best practices to continuously improve procurement strategies and processes.
9. Mentor and guide junior buyers within the team, sharing expertise and knowledge to support their professional development.
10. The above list of duties is not exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the post.
11. Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A Masters degree or relevant certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) is a plus.
12. 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement within food or cosmetic manufacturing industries, with a strong understanding of industry-specific raw materials, ingredients, and packaging.
13. Proven track record of negotiating and managing supplier contracts and building strong, long-lasting supplier relationships.
14. Strong understanding of cost analysis, supplier performance metrics, and procurement best practices.
15. Experience with ERP systems and procurement software (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
16. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
17. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
18. Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance standards related to food and cosmetics.
19. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
20. Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively across functions.
21. Experience in global sourcing and managing international suppliers.
22. Knowledge of sustainability practices and regulations within food and cosmetic manufacturing.
23. Familiarity with Lean methodologies for process improvement.

The position reports directly into Head of Procurement with the probability of achieving a direct report post probation.