Strategic Buyer

Solutions Driven; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a skilled procurement professional for a critical role near Reading, England. The successful candidate will lead strategic sourcing and supplier management initiatives, ensuring optimal supply chain solutions for complex programs. With a focus on negotiation, market analysis, and compliance, this role demands 5+ years of experience in procurement. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree and may hold membership in CIPS. This position offers a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or related supply chain role.
• Full member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary procurement contact for bid proposals and strategic initiatives.
• Translate program requirements into sourcing plans.
• Conduct market research to evaluate new suppliers.
• Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP systems.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Market analysis

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Solutions Driven is hiring on behalf of our client, who is a manufacturer in the aerospace and high-tech electronics sector. This role is based near Reading, England, with a Hybrid working mode.

Overall

This role is critical to our success, acting as a pivotal link between the early program development, bid proposals, and the strategic establishment of a robust, competitive, and reliable supply chain. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of strategic sourcing principles, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to achieve optimal outcomes for complex programs.

Main Duties

Procurement Bid & Proposal Support :

• Act as the primary procurement point of contact for new business pursuits, bid proposals, and strategic procurement initiatives.
• Provide early supply chain intelligence, including market analysis, supplier capabilities, and long-lead item identification, to support "make vs. buy" decisions.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates for materials and services, leveraging market data, historical performance, and supplier insights.
• Lead and participate in strategic supplier engagements during the bid phase, including RFQ development, proposal evaluation, and preliminary negotiations to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with new programs, including single-source dependencies, geopolitical factors, and technical challenges.
• Contribute to the development of winning bid strategies by identifying opportunities for cost reduction, innovation, and supply chain optimization.
• Ensure compliance with all internal procurement policies, government regulations, and customer flow-down requirements during the bid process.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management for Programs

• Translate program requirements into strategic sourcing plans, defining the optimal supply chain for new and existing products.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers that align with the client’s strategic objectives and program needs.
• Make use of category strategies for assigned commodities, focusing on total cost of ownership (TCO), quality, delivery, and technology alignment.
• Lead complex contract negotiations with suppliers, establishing long-term agreements, pricing structures, and performance metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base, including supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and cost reduction opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Operations to ensure seamless material flow and support program execution.
• Proactively monitor supplier performance against established KPIs, address issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.

General Procurement Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP), including supplier information, pricing, and contract details.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and supply market dynamics to inform sourcing strategies.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced buyers as required.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and tools.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field [e.g., Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field].
• Mid-Level : 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related supply chain role.

Special Qualifications

• Desirable- Full member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)