Senior Strategic Buyer: Engineering & Procurement Lead

Energy Jobline ZR; Tonbridge; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Strategic Buyer to lead technical engineering procurement in a busy manufacturing setting in Marden, Kent. You will own strategic procurement, drive commodity sourcing and collaborate with Engineering, Production and Materials teams to secure quality, cost-effective supplies.

The role requires strong leadership, supplier negotiation, and governance of SAP purchasing and MRP data, with a proactive Lean mindset and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic purchasing/procurement in engineering/manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of technical/engineered purchasing.
• Experience leading commodities and strategic procurement initiatives.
• Supplier negotiation and contract management experience.
• Strong commercial awareness and cost-saving identification.
• Experience developing supplier relationships and performance management.
• Proven leadership, mentoring or supervisory experience.
• Understanding of purchasing compliance and legislation.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent professional purchasing experience.
• Experience with SAP and MRP systems.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects deadlines; Lean mindset.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and Lean methodologies.
• Flexibility to travel to suppliers as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead at least one key commodity at a strategic level.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to deliver cost reduction, quality and supply chain efficiency.
• Analyse spend, procurement data and market trends to identify opportunities.
• Source, assess and onboard suppliers; consider quality, cost and sustainability.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts and long-term agreements.
• Build and maintain relationships with strategic suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance and address quality/cost/delivery issues.
• Conduct supplier visits/audits as needed.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure continuity.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Industrialisation and Materials.
• Oversee SAP purchasing and MRP data; monitor material shortages.
• Support KPIs and budgeting; drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strategic purchasing

Leadership

Negotiation

SAP

MRP systems

Cost reduction

Supplier relationships

Lean methodologies

Education

CIPS qualification or equivalent

Tools

SAP

MRP systems

Job description

Energy Jobline ZR in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Strategic Buyer to lead technical engineering procurement in a busy manufacturing setting in Marden, Kent. You will own strategic procurement, drive commodity sourcing and collaborate with Engineering, Production and Materials teams to secure quality, cost-effective supplies.

The role requires strong leadership, supplier negotiation, and governance of SAP purchasing and MRP data, with a proactive Lean mindset and travel as needed.