Strategic Buyer

W Talent; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Sheffield is seeking a Strategic Buyer to manage a diverse supplier base and drive supply chain performance. Responsible for sourcing, supplier management, and supporting product launches, the ideal candidate has a strong procurement background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. This role offers employee ownership opportunities and a supportive culture focused on development.

Benefits

Employee ownership opportunities

15% non-contributory pension scheme

32 days' holiday

Private healthcare

Family-friendly benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement or supply chain, particularly in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to manage supplier readiness for new products.
• Understanding of Kanban systems and demand planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse supplier base and drive sourcing excellence.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure SLAs are met.
• Conduct benchmarking for competitive pricing.

Skills

Procurement experience

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Strategic mindset

Education

Supply chain or procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

An established, employee-owned manufacturing business is seeking a Strategic Buyer to join its dynamic supply chain team. This is a key role within a fast-moving, growth-oriented environment where accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration are essential to delivering exceptional results for both internal and external customers.

You will be responsible for managing a diverse supplier base, driving sourcing excellence, and ensuring robust supply chain performance that supports new product launches, commercial growth, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a large and varied portfolio of SKUs across multiple global suppliers.

• Source, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers in line with quality, performance, and compliance standards.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure alignment on performance, delivery, and cost objectives.

• Monitor and report supplier performance, ensuring SLAs and supplier agreements are maintained.

• Support new product introductions (NPI) by ensuring supply chain readiness before and after product launch.

• Align sourcing and supply chain strategies with business growth areas and global sales forecasts.

• Conduct benchmarking and quotation exercises to ensure competitive pricing and ongoing value for money.

• Analyse product costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

• Work to agreed KPIs and contribute to continuous improvement across procurement and supply processes.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks while supporting commercial opportunity analysis.

• Prepare and present clear, insightful reports to senior stakeholders.

• Adhere to procurement governance and approval frameworks.

About You

You’ll be an experienced and proactive supply chain or procurement professional, capable of operating strategically and tactically in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. You combine commercial awareness with analytical strength and have a genuine interest in contributing to business growth.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in procurement, supply chain, or a related field within a manufacturing or engineering environment.

• Experience supporting new product introductions and managing supply chain readiness.

• Strong understanding of Kanban systems, demand planning, and inventory control.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (MRP experience advantageous).

• Excellent communication and relationship management skills with internal and global stakeholders.

• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritise effectively under pressure.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to act quickly and decisively.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

• Commercially astute, with an understanding of how procurement impacts production and customer fulfilment.

• Flexible and adaptable, with a proactive approach to challenges and change.

• Willingness to travel occasionally within the UK and internationally.

Desirable

• A supply chain or procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS or equivalent).

• Experience contributing to cross-functional projects or continuous improvement initiatives.

Rewards and Benefits

• Employee ownership opportunities.

• 15% non-contributory pension scheme.

• 32 days' holiday (plus additional days for long service, quarterly 'thank you' days, and your birthday off).

• Private healthcare and a range of family-friendly and wellbeing benefits.

• Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional development.