Strategic Buyer: Supplier Partnerships & Cost Savings

First Base; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

First Base Employment is seeking a Strategic Buyer to join a Poole-based engineering and manufacturing environment. The role focuses on owning supplier relationships, procurement strategies, and commercial negotiations with a planned start in 2027.

You will develop supplier partnerships, improve purchasing performance, and identify cost-saving opportunities while managing supplier costs and risks across long-term agreements.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Strategic Buyer or senior purchasing position.
• Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing supplier contracts and long-term agreements.
• Knowledge of procurement strategies and cost reduction.
• Experience monitoring supplier performance and managing supply chain risks.
• Aerospace or defence industry experience would be advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Monitoring supplier performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Negotiating long-term supplier agreements and contracts.
• Managing supplier costs, commercial risks and purchasing strategies.
• Conducting supplier performance reviews and improvement meetings.
• Carrying out supplier risk assessments and maintaining approved supplier records.
• Supporting the wider purchasing function, including raising purchase orders and requests for quotations.
• Working with suppliers to improve sustainability and reduce supply chain emissions.

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation

Contract management

Cost reduction

Risk management

Sustainability

Procurement strategies

Communication skills

Job description

First Base Employment is seeking a Strategic Buyer to join a Poole-based engineering and manufacturing environment. The role focuses on owning supplier relationships, procurement strategies, and commercial negotiations with a planned start in 2027.

You will develop supplier partnerships, improve purchasing performance, and identify cost-saving opportunities while managing supplier costs and risks across long-term agreements.