Strategic Buyer

Procurement People; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is seeking a Strategic Buyer to join their team in Southampton. This full-time role involves shaping procurement strategies, mentoring junior staff, and driving supplier performance. The company offers competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment focused on employee growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and performance-based bonus

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Private medical cash plan

Enhanced pension scheme

Life insurance (3x salary)

Career development and training opportunities

Employee support and wellbeing programmes

Exclusive retail and leisure discounts

Generous employee referral scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic procurement, ideally within manufacturing or engineering.
• Passion for coaching and developing others.
• Confident communicator with strong negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage category strategies focusing on logistics and transportation.
• Mentor and guide junior purchasing team members.
• Conduct supplier negotiations and manage audits.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Supply chain management

Negotiation skills

Coaching and mentoring

MS Office skills

Education

CIPS Level 4

A-Level or equivalent

Job description

This range is provided by Procurement People. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Procurement People

Principal Consultant for Procurement People part of the ENG Network

Strategic Buyer – Southampton | Office Based | Exciting Opportunity with a Market-Leading Engineering Client

We’re working in partnership with a long-established and highly respected client in the engineering and environmental sector, who is looking to welcome a " Middle Management" Strategic Buyer to their growing team in Southampton.

Our client is one of the few UK businesses that designs and manufactures its own industry-leading range of pumps, serving both hire and sales markets. Their products are trusted across the construction, water, and environmental industries thanks to a reputation for quality, reliability, and longevity built over more than 70 years.

Now is a fantastic time to join this innovative business as they continue to expand. They are deeply committed to supporting the professional growth of their teams, offering clear career pathways, skill development, and ongoing training.

About the Role

As a Strategic Buyer, you'll play a key role in shaping procurement strategy—focusing on achieving the best value through supplier performance, sourcing strategies, and long-term relationship management. You’ll also take the lead in mentoring and developing junior team members, making this a great opportunity for someone who enjoys supporting others and fostering talent or someone with experience team leading or managing junior staff members.

This is a full-time, office-based role near Southampton, so we’re looking for someone who can be on-site 5 days a week.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage category strategies with a focus on logistics and transportation, both inbound and outbound.
• Mentor and guide junior purchasing team members through coaching and hands-on development.
• Work closely with operational buyers to maintain and improve supplier performance.
• Drive process improvements and contribute to wider supply chain efficiency initiatives.
• Monitor and update landed cost data to ensure accurate reporting.
• Conduct supplier negotiations and manage supplier audits to ensure best value and compliance.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to resolve any quality or commercial issues.
• Champion best practices across the purchasing function and support continuous improvement.
• Operate as a middle management colleague with 5 direct reports.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in strategic procurement, ideally within manufacturing, engineering, or distribution.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain, logistics, and inventory management.
• Passion for coaching and developing others, with prior leadership or mentoring experience.
• CIPS Level 4 (or working toward), plus relevant qualifications at A-Level or equivalent.
• Confident communicator with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities.
• Solid MS Office skills, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• UK driving licence required.
• Experience in automotive or aerospace sectors is a plus but not essential.

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus (annual and quarterly)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with increases for long service
• Private medical cash plan (including 24/7 GP access and discounts on health & fitness)
• Enhanced pension scheme based on total earnings
• Life insurance (3x salary)
• Career development and training opportunities
• Employee support and wellbeing programmes, including access to Mental Health First Aiders
• Exclusive retail and leisure discounts
• Generous employee referral scheme

If you’re ready to step into a strategic, people-focused procurement role with a forward-thinking company that truly values its people, we’d love to hear from you

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Engineering

• Industries

  Manufacturing, Engineering Services, and Engines and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing

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