Tactical Buyer

The Buyer will be responsible for ensuring the effective procurement of materials, components, major work packages and services to support business operations. The role will manage the end-to-end supply of parts across nominated commodities, ensuring appropriate commodity strategies are deployed in line with business unit requirements and internal stakeholder needs. The successful candidate will play a key role in supplier management, driving strong performance against SOTIF and SDPPM metrics, and ensuring competitive sourcing to deliver year-on-year cost savings against standard cost. The role will also contribute to identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives and process improvements across the procurement function. Key Responsibilities * Manage end-to-end supply chain relationships with a defined group of suppliers to ensure optimal quality, cost, delivery and reliability * Negotiate and issue purchase orders in line with purchase requisitions, MRP actions and inventory strategies * Review MRP requirements to ensure component deliveries align with production needs, adjusting schedules, quantities and pricing where required * Analyse and process supplier notifications * Manage the communication and expediting of engineering and schedule changes * Act as the data owner for all supply master data * Monitor delivery performance to ensure on-time delivery to production requirements * Apply SOF principles to build robust supplier management processes and long-term supplier partnerships * Research and develop new or alternative sources of supply where existing suppliers are insufficient * Create and maintain commodity market profiles and detailed supplier profiles * Continuously monitor, evaluate and report on supplier performance * Manage non-conforming material processes, ensuring timely return and rapid replenishment * Support day-to-day procurement activities, including internal and supplier communications, price negotiations and revised commercial terms * Deploy responsible supply chain management practices in line with company policy, including risk heat mapping and corrective actions * Support the Procurement Manager with expediting priorities to ensure purchase orders are delivered on time Qualifications and Experience * Minimum of 5 years’ experience within a supply chain or procurement environment * Previous experience as a Buyer within a manufacturing or engineering organisation is advantageous * Level 4 or Level 5 NVQ or a degree in business, operations, supply chain or a related discipline * Strong written and verbal communication skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) * Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills * Proven experience in negotiation and supplier relationship management * Strong analytical, problem-solving, organisational and time-management skills * Experience working within an MRP-driven environment * Exposure to a manufacturing environment is desirable * Ability to operate within financial and time-sensitive constraints * CIPS qualification or working towards certification is desirable