Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer – Engineering / Manufacturing 📍 Manchester 💷 £45,000 – £55,000 + benefits 💼 Permanent We’re working with a growing engineering and manufacturing business in Manchester that’s looking to add a Senior Buyer to its procurement team during a major programme of expansion and production ramp-up. This is a genuinely strategic role, owning key supplier relationships across the UK and Europe and playing a critical part in building a robust, agile and cost-effective supply chain. 🧩 The Role As Senior Buyer, you’ll take full ownership of several key categories and suppliers, managing the full procurement lifecycle including: * Developing and delivering procurement strategies for high-value and critical suppliers * Sourcing and awarding contracts for goods and services based on quality, cost and delivery * Building and managing long-term strategic supplier relationships * Leading commercial negotiations to secure best price, lead time and terms * Driving cost saving and cost avoidance initiatives * Managing supplier performance, reviews, KPIs and continuous improvement actions * Resolving supply chain issues across quality, delivery, technical and commercial topics * Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks * Working closely with Engineering, Programmes and Manufacturing to ensure BOM and schedule alignment * Supporting design changes, obsolescence and development programmes * Representing Procurement in project and programme meetings 🧠 What They’re Looking For Essential: * Proven experience in Procurement / Supply Chain / Buying * Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills * Confident using Excel for analysis and reporting * Commercially aware with the ability to assess risk in supplier proposals * Able to read engineering drawings and understand BOM structures * Organised, proactive, detail-focused and comfortable working to deadlines Desirable: * Background in engineering or manufacturing environments * Degree or CIPS Level 4+ 💡 Personal Attributes * Confident, credible and able to build strong relationships internally and externally * Proactive and self-motivated – someone who likes to get things done * Team-oriented, supportive and collaborative * Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment