Strategic Buyer

Saab UK; Fareham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and security company in the UK is seeking a Strategic Buyer to optimize procurement activities in the electrical assembly manufacturing sector. The role involves developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost savings while ensuring the availability of high-quality materials. Candidates should possess proven experience in purchasing within the defence industry and demonstrate excellent negotiation skills. This position offers a chance to contribute significantly to the supply chain and procurement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Strategic Buyer or Purchasing professional in the defence industry.
• Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies and supplier management.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for various components.
• Conduct supplier assessments and negotiations.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure effective sourcing.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Cost analysis

Analytical mindset

Project management

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Introduction

Saab in UK is growing rapidly, with over 500 colleagues across eight sites. We bring together Swedish heritage and British expertise to drive innovation in areas such as software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. Joining Saab in UK means contributing to the security and resilience of society while building a career with real scope for personal and professional growth.

What you will be part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here.

Role Overview

The Strategic Buyer plays a crucial role in an electrical assembly manufacturing company operating in the defence industry. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, this role is responsible for strategic procurement activities. The Strategic Buyer collaborates with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross‑functional teams to ensure the timely and cost‑effective procurement of high‑quality materials and components, while also driving supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for machined/fabricated components, PCBAs and other electrical/mechanical components, considering quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, conducting assessments and negotiations to establish favourable terms and agreements.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams to support new product development and technology roadmaps through effective sourcing strategies.
• Stay updated with market trends, industry regulations, and emerging technologies.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and provide feedback to suppliers to ensure adherence to quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for cost reduction, value engineering, and supplier‑driven innovation.
• Resolve any supplier‑related issues or disputes, working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to achieve timely resolutions.

Cost Management and Negotiation

• Conduct cost analysis and market assessments to identify cost‑saving opportunities and mitigate price increases.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favourable agreements.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through value engineering, alternate sourcing, and process optimisation.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, such as Engineering and Finance, to establish cost targets and monitor cost‑saving initiatives.

Supply Chain Optimisation

• Work closely with production planning, inventory management, and logistics teams to ensure material availability and optimise supply chain efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for lead time reduction, inventory optimisation, and supply chain risk mitigation.
• Implement and maintain effective systems and processes for demand forecasting, materials planning, and supplier performance tracking.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline procurement processes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce cycle times.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Strategic Buyer or Purchasing professional in the defence industry, with a focus on PCBs, PCAs, and machined/fabricated components.
• Strong knowledge of the procurement process, strategic sourcing methodologies, and supplier management.
• Familiarity with defence industry regulations, standards, and quality requirements.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills to interact effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to conduct cost analysis, market assessments, and supplier evaluations.
• Proficiency in using procurement and ERP systems for sourcing, purchasing, and data analysis.
• Strong project management and organisational skills to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive results in a fast‑paced environment.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic sourcing and procurement activities in the defence industry for an electrical assembly manufacturing company. The Strategic Buyer will play a critical role in ensuring the availability of high‑quality materials and components, optimising the supply chain, and driving cost savings initiatives while maintaining strong supplier relationships.