Strategic Buyer

Vickerstock; Newtownabbey; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in Northern Ireland is seeking a Strategic Buyer to manage procurement processes. The role involves sourcing, supplier relationship management, and optimization of stock levels. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in strategic buying within manufacturing or engineering and strong MRP/ERP skills. This is a full-time permanent position offering a chance to contribute to the firm's growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a strategic buying role within manufacturing or engineering.
• Ability to utilize MRP/ERP systems effectively.
• Strong problem-solving competencies and analytic abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement for assigned categories.
• Build strategic supplier relationships.
• Analyse forecasts for stock optimization.
• Support sourcing strategies and cost reduction.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs.

Skills

Strategic buying experience

Strong MRP/ERP experience

Analytic thinking

Problem-solving skills

Education

Related degree

CIPS qualification

Job description

Overview

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a manufacturing business on the appointment of a Strategic Buyer on a full-time permanent basis. This is a newly created position in line with extraordinary growth over the last 12 months which has seen the business double in size.

As the Strategic Buyer, you will have responsibility for procuring goods and services to ensure best value, supply continuity, and strategic alignment, while collaborating with stakeholders and suppliers to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.

In your new role:

• Manage end-to-end procurement for assigned categories, including sourcing, negotiation, ordering, and expediting.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to strengthen long-term supply chain resilience.
• Analyse forecasts to optimise stock levels and replenishment.
• Support the Head of Supply Chain on sourcing strategies, cost reduction, and contract management.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs on quality, cost, lead time, and service.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver business objectives.
• Mitigate supply risks through dual sourcing, buffers, and supplier development. Ensure compliance with policies and regulations, maintaining accurate records in ERP systems.
• Drive continuous improvement across procurement and supply chain functions, including supplier optimisation initiatives.
• Actively engage in professional development as part of your Individual Development Plan (IDP).

What you will need to succeed

• 3 years' experience in strategic buying role within manufacturing or engineering
• Strong MRP/ERP experience
• Analytic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
• Related degree and/or CIPS qualification (advantageous)

For a confidential conversation on how Vickerstock can help support you with your next move, get in touch with our supply chain consultant Michael Irwin today!