Strategic Buyer

Cogent Staffing are seeking a proactive Senior Strategic Buyer to lead the procurement of high-value engineering components. The role focuses on maintaining a robust, compliant supply chain and delivering long-term value through skilled negotiation, risk management, and supplier performance enhancement.

Work Details & Salary

• £40,000 – £45,000 per annum
• Monday to Friday, typical office hours aligned to site requirements
• Full time permanent position

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing activities for high-precision components and critical services, ensuring best value and supplier reliability.
• Apply technical knowledge and contract expertise to negotiate complex agreements and optimise total cost of ownership.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships, driving performance improvement, risk mitigation, and supplier development programmes.
• Implement and manage category strategies, ensuring alignment with ISO or other relevant quality and regulatory standards.
• Analyse and interpret engineering drawings and quality specifications to ensure supplier capability matches production requirements.
• Oversee cost reduction initiatives, value engineering opportunities, and change management processes.
• Utilise ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP) to manage procurement data, track supplier performance, and support production planning.
• Prepare and manage supplier contracts, KPIs, and performance reviews, escalating issues as needed.
• Collaborate across functions (engineering, quality, production, finance) to support new product introductions and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and ethics across all activities.
• Stay informed of market trends, supplier innovations, and regulatory changes that impact procurement strategies.

Key Requirements

• Minimum five years’ procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment, with a track record in strategic supplier and category management.
• Strong understanding of contract law and the ability to negotiate complex agreements.
• High level of commercial acumen with a proven ability to deliver cost savings and value improvements.
• Technical appreciation, including the ability to interpret engineering drawings and quality standards.
• Experience with cost reduction initiatives, supplier development, and change management.
• Proficient IT skills, particularly ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP); strong data analysis capabilities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, business, or a related field; CIPS certification preferred.
• Proactive, solution-focused mindset; resilient and highly organised.
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain strategic supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement.
• If you are interested in this role, please apply with your CV attached.

At Cogent Staffing, we are committed to ethical recruitment practices and fostering an inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe that diversity enriches our teams and enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively.

We ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and free from bias, promoting equal opportunities for all applicants.