Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer - Deeside

SF Recruitment are working with a market leading manufacturing business in the Deeside area to recruit a Senior Buyer. Playing a lead role within the department the role oversees strategic purchasing activities & NPI across assigned commodities.

Role Overview:

The Senior Buyer will play a critical and strategic role within the Procurement function, going beyond day-to-day purchasing responsibilities. This individual will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, manage complex supplier relationships, and drive value creation across their assigned commodities. Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, the Senior Buyer will contribute to operational efficiency, cost leadership, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement within the supply base.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute strategic sourcing projects across a range of direct commodities.
• Drive supplier performance and value creation through cost reduction, quality improvements, and service enhancements.
• Manage and resolve supplier escalations, including capacity, quality, and delivery issues.
• Develop and maintain commodity strategies aligned with business goals and market trends.
• Conduct detailed spend analysis, market research, and risk assessments to inform sourcing decisions.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and value engineering opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Negotiate commercial terms, including pricing, contracts, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Support new product introductions (NPIs) by aligning sourcing strategies with project timelines and technical requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with company procurement policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a Senior Buyer, Strategic Buyer, or similar procurement role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage strategic supplier relationships and deliver measurable value.
• In-depth understanding of strategic sourcing processes, cost drivers, and commodity markets.
• Proficient in using ERP systems and procurement tools
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and results.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable.