Strategic Buyer

EMEA3 Recruitment; East Grinstead; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

AMS is seeking a Strategic Buyer for a 12-month contract based in East Grinstead. The role is hybrid, with 3 days on site and 2 days remote per week, supporting direct material procurement and supplier management.

You will lead strategic sourcing, negotiate contracts, and drive cost optimisation while collaborating with internal teams to ensure supply continuity and alignment with business goals.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Strategic Buyer or similar procurement role.
• Direct material procurement experience with suppliers.
• Strong negotiation and cost-reduction track record.
• Experience developing sourcing strategies and framework agreements.
• Knowledge of supplier selection, onboarding, performance management and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing from supplier identification through to contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Develop and maintain long-term supplier relationships and framework agreements.
• Conduct commercial negotiations for pricing, terms, delivery schedules and performance commitments.
• Perform detailed cost analysis and develop total cost of ownership models.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-optimisation across key suppliers.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 20–25 strategic suppliers across direct material categories.
• Create and implement procurement and category strategies aligned with business goals.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Contract negotiation

Cost reduction

SAP S/4HANA

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

ERP systems

Job description

AMS is a global workforce solutions partner committed to creating inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready workplaces. We help organisations adapt, grow, and thrive in an ever-evolving world by building, shaping, and optimising diverse talent strategies.

Our Contingent Workforce Solution (CWS) is one way we support our clients. Acting as an extension of their recruitment teams, we connect them with skilled interim and temporary professionals, fostering workplaces where everyone can contribute and succeed.

On behalf of our globally respected client who develop cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet the planet's vital power needs w e are looking for a Strategic Buyer role on a 12 month contract based in East Grinstead (hybrid - 3 days working on site, 2 days working remote per week).

Job description - the role

Purpose of the Role

• Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management activities for direct material categories, ensuring a resilient, high-performing supply chain that supports manufacturing, overhaul programmes, and customer delivery commitments.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies that deliver cost optimisation, commercial value, quality, compliance, and supply continuity across a portfolio of key suppliers.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure materials, components, and services are sourced effectively to support business growth and operational excellence.

What You'll Do

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing activities from supplier identification and market analysis through to contract negotiation, award, implementation, and supplier management.
• Develop and maintain long-term supplier relationships and framework agreements to support business objectives and future growth plans.
• Conduct commercial negotiations for pricing, terms and conditions, delivery schedules, and performance commitments to secure optimum value for the business.
• Perform detailed cost analysis and develop total cost of ownership models to support sourcing decisions and business cases.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost optimisation initiatives across key direct material suppliers.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 20-25 strategic suppliers across direct material categories.
• Develop and implement procurement and category strategies aligned with business goals and market developments.
• Create and maintain purchasing information records, pricing agreements, and procurement data within SAP S/4HANA to support operational buying activities.

The Skills You'll Need

• Proven experience in a Strategic Buyer, Senior Buyer, Procurement Specialist, or Category Management role within a highly regulated industry environment.
• Experience managing direct material procurement activities and strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable success in complex negotiations, contract management, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Experience developing sourcing strategies, framework agreements, and long-term supplier partnerships.
• Strong understanding of supplier selection, onboarding, performance management, compliance, and risk mitigation processes.
• Experience using ERP systems, with SAP S/4HANA experience highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and continuous improvement skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.

Next steps

We will only accept workers operating via an Umbrella or PAYE engagement model.