Senior Strategic Buyer - Materials

RHL; Stafford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive sector is seeking a Senior Strategic Buyer to develop sourcing strategies for key materials including metal fabrics and cast components. This pivotal role involves managing procurement, supplier relationships, and contract negotiations to support innovative vehicle programs. Join a dynamic team and enjoy competitive salary alongside career development opportunities.

Benefits

Holiday

Pension

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Relocation Package

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in strategic procurement in automotive or heavy engineering sectors.
• Deep understanding of metal materials and fabrication processes.
• Technical literacy to interpret material specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing strategies for metal materials including aluminium and steel.
• Negotiate contracts delivering savings and stability.
• Manage global supplier performance in quality, delivery, and cost.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Commercial Acumen

Education

Engineering or Materials Science Degree

CIPS or Similar Qualification

Job description

Senior Strategic Buyer (Materials)

Location: Staffordshire

Industry: Automotive

Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Salary: Competitive £45-55k dependent on experience

Benefits: Holiday, Pension, Dental, Health, Life Insurance

Other: Relocation package provided

About the Role

We are seeking a technically astute and commercially driven Senior Strategic Buyer to lead sourcing strategy for metal materials and cast components used across a range of automotive systems, from power train to chassis and structural assemblies.

This is a key role in our clients procurement team, with a focus on securing high-quality ferrous and non-ferrous materials, precision castings, forgings, and machined parts to support their expanding vehicle programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of sourcing strategies for materials including aluminium, steel, iron, and speciality alloys used in cast and machined components.
• Manage procurement for sand, die, investment and pressure castings, along with forged and CNC machined metal parts.
• Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers across global markets, ensuring performance in quality, delivery, cost, and innovation.
• Conduct market analysis and monitor commodity trends affecting metal prices and supply chain risks.
• Negotiate complex contracts and long-term agreements, delivering cost savings and commercial stability.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to ensure supplier capabilities align with technical and project requirements.
• Support product launches and engineering changes with robust sourcing and lead time planning.

About You

• Substantial experience in a strategic procurement role within the automotive, aerospace, or heavy engineering sectors, with a focus on metal materials and castings.
• Deep understanding of metal fabrication processes, including foundry operations, heat treatment, and machining.
• Strong commercial acumen, supplier negotiation, and contract management skills.
• Technical literacy with the ability to interpret drawings, material specs, and tolerances.
• Excellent stakeholder management and supplier development capabilities.
• Engineering or materials science degree preferred; CIPS or similar qualification is advantageous.

Why Join?

• Be at the core of sourcing critical materials for a global brand.
• Join a progressive team driving sustainable, cost-effective material strategies.
• Enjoy a competitive salary and great career development.
• Work on projects that define the next generation of excellence.