I am seeking an experienced Strategic Senior Buyer to join a leading manufacturing business in a newly created role! This is a strategic, supplier-facing procurement position focused on delivering long-term value, managing risk, and developing strong supplier partnerships — not transactional purchasing.

You'll take ownership of key commodity areas and manage a spend of approximately £4-8 million, working closely with UK and Far East suppliers to support production, new product introduction, and cost improvement initiatives.

Senior Strategic Buyer
Permanent
Competitive Salary on Offer
Mon-Thurs 8:00-16:45, Fri 8:00-13:00
Andover

Senior Strategic Buyer
Key Responsibilities

Own 2-3 commodity areas with up to 10 critical suppliers
Manage supplier relationships to deliver best overall acquisition cost
Lead RFQs, negotiations, and contractual agreements
Drive cost reduction through supplier collaboration, material changes, and redesign
Support new product introduction and supplier selection
Manage Far East sourcing, logistics, and shipping into the UK manufacturing site
Conduct supplier risk assessments and financial evaluations
Lead make vs buy decisions and present business cases to stakeholders
Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams
Ensure accurate MRP data including lead times, costs, and batch sizes
Senior Strategic Buyer
Essential Experience/Skills/Qualifications

Direct procurement / strategic buying experience
Background in manufacturing, automotive, food, engineering or similar
Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills
Understanding of total cost of ownership and material liability
Experience working with overseas suppliers (ideally Far East)
Ability to influence stakeholders and drive strategic decisions
Quick learner who can operate with autonomy 
Senior Strategic Buyer
Company Benefits

25 days + bank holidays
Voluntary Activities
Cycle to work scheme
Rewards scheme
Learning and Development Opportunities
Sports and Social Club
CIPS investment