Strategic Buyer

Orion Electrotech; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established business in Maidenhead is seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer to oversee strategic sourcing initiatives in the engineering and manufacturing sector. This position demands strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and contract management expertise to influence sourcing strategies effectively. The ideal candidate will have a solid procurement background, ideally CIPS qualified, and a commitment to driving cost optimization and sustainability within assigned categories.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in strategic procurement sourcing.
• Previous track record in strategy development and execution within a complex supply chain.
• In-depth knowledge of strategic sourcing, contract management, and SRM.
• Experience in engineering and manufacturing environments.
• Experienced in MRP-based procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term category strategies that deliver cost savings and improve quality.
• Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments to identify sourcing opportunities.
• Lead RFx processes and manage supplier negotiations.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of procurement strategies.
• Support supplier performance management and compliance reviews.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Negotiation & Supplier Management

Contract Management

Analytical & Financial Acumen

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Education

CIPS qualified

Job description

Job Title: Strategic Buyer
Location: Maidenhead
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000

Our client, a leading organisation in the engineering and manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer to take ownership of strategic sourcing initiatives across key spend categories.

This position is ideal for a commercially driven procurement professional who can deliver measurable results, build strong stakeholder relationships, and influence sourcing strategies in a complex, high-technology environment.

Key Responsibilities as a Strategic Buyer:

• Develop and execute long-term category strategies that deliver cost savings, improve quality, and reduce supply risk.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier assessments to identify sourcing opportunities, including supplier rationalisation.
• Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ), manage supplier negotiations, and oversee contract execution for strategic spend categories.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across Business Units, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Legal, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment of procurement strategies.
• Support supplier performance management, issue resolution, and periodic reviews to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Monitor industry trends and market shifts to proactively adjust sourcing strategies.
• Develop KPIs, dashboards, and performance reports for category management.
• Drive initiatives for sustainability, innovation, and cost optimisation within assigned categories.
• Ensure strict adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.
• Mentor and support procurement staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

To be suited to this opportunity as a Strategic Buyer, you should be experienced in:

• Strategic Thinking Long-term planning, market insight, and innovation.
• Negotiation & Supplier Management Proven ability to secure advantageous terms and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Contract Management Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and executing complex supplier contracts.
• Analytical & Financial Acumen Skilled in cost modelling, TCO analysis, and financial assessment.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset Resilient, adaptable, and committed to operational excellence.

Qualifications & Experience required as a Strategic Buyer:

• Prior experience in strategic procurement sourcing.
• Previous track record in strategy development and execution within a complex supply chain.
• In-depth knowledge of strategic sourcing, contract management, and SRM.
• Experience in engineering and manufacturing environments.
• Experienced in MRP-based procurement processes.
• CIPS qualified.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a well-established business. If the opportunity as a Strategic Buyer appeals to you, please apply and contact Jemma at Orion Reading.