Strategic Buyer

Woods Air Movement; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)

4% pension scheme

Life assurance

Company sick pay

Early finish on Fridays

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Woods Air Movement is seeking a Strategic Buyer in Colchester to lead sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships in the air technology sector. You will influence business growth and ensure compliance with purchasing procedures while collaborating with Engineering and Operations teams.

The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of strategic sourcing experience and is CIPS qualified. This position offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive culture where innovation thrives.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost reduction within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with international suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Well-organised, proactive, and able to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for a diverse portfolio of commodities.
• Select, negotiate, and manage key suppliers to deliver cost savings.
• Collaborate with internal teams to drive innovation and achieve business objectives.
• Monitor market trends and emerging technologies to inform sourcing decisions.
• Lead supplier performance evaluations and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy (MS Office, Excel)

Education

Graduate or post-graduate, CIPS qualified

Job description

Strategic Buyer – Drive Innovation & Growth in Air Technology

Location: Colchester, Essex

Department: Sourcing

Reports to: Head of Sourcing

Make a Difference at Woods Air Movement

Are you ready to shape the future of sustainable air solutions for industries worldwide? Woods Air Movement is a global leader in the design, testing, and manufacture of axial fans, renowned for our commitment to innovation, customisation, and operational excellence. Join us and play a pivotal role in delivering value for our customers and the environment.

Why This Role Matters

As a Strategic Buyer, you’ll lead sourcing strategies and supplier relationships that directly impact our business growth, cost management, and ability to deliver world-class products. Your expertise will help us stay ahead of market trends, drive continuous improvement, and ensure we remain at the forefront of air movement technology.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for a diverse portfolio of commodities (e.g., electrical products, raw materials, machined components, packaging, fasteners, surface treatment, and indirect spend).
• Select, negotiate, and manage key suppliers to deliver cost savings and support our strategic business plan.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Engineering, Quality, Product Management, Operations) to drive innovation and achieve business objectives.
• Monitor market trends, risks, and emerging technologies to inform sourcing decisions.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing procedures and company policies.
• Lead supplier performance evaluations and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of market conditions and alternative sources of supply.

What You’ll Bring

• Graduate or post-graduate, CIPS qualified (essential).
• 3 – 5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and cost reduction within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• High level of computer literacy (MS Office, Excel).
• Experience working with international suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Well-organised, proactive, and able to travel as required.

Our Company Culture

At Woods Air Movement, our culture is built on ambition, innovation, and teamwork. We set ambitious targets and go the extra mile to achieve them. We challenge the status quo, encourage entrepreneurial thinking, and empower our people to take initiative. Integrity and accountability are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, leveraging our diverse talents, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Here, your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your impact is recognised.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
• 4% pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Company sick pay
• Free tea & coffee
• Early finish on Fridays
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Sports & Social Club (voluntary)
• Long service awards
• Free car parking
• Employee Assistance Programme & mental health support
• Learning and development opportunities

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer, recruiting individuals on their suitability for the role, qualifications and experience. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds.

Right to Work

Due to limits on sponsorship allocations, we are not currently in a position to offer sponsorship for this position. Applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK, and/or require visa sponsorship, cannot be considered.

No recruitment agencies please.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us shape the future of air movement at Woods!