Senior Buyer

Location: Staffordshire
Salary: £32,000 – £38,000 per annum (dependent on experience) 

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Monthly Paid

5% matched pension

UNUM – Critical illness insurance

Simply Health – Health Cash Plan

Death In Service – 1x Annual Salary

25 days Annual leave, plus BH’s and 1 additional day to celebrate birthday.

Hours: Mon – Thurs 8am till 17:15pm, Fri 8am till 12pm.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join a fast-paced and dynamic procurement team. This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end tender process across the supply chain, from initial enquiry through to production order launch.

You will play a key role in influencing supplier selection, negotiating commercial terms, and ensuring optimal outcomes across quality, cost, and delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional who thrives under pressure and enjoys building strong supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders

Communicate effectively on day-to-day procurement activities

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support supplier selection decisions

Engage with customers where required to support supply chain solutions

Escalate unresolved issues to senior management

Tender & Procurement Management

Manage RFQs (Request for Quotations) from enquiry through to order placement

Review tender documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness

Present multiple sourcing options and business cases to stakeholders

Ensure all procurement data (pricing, lead times, terms) is accurate prior to order release

Cost & Commercial Negotiation

Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers

Drive cost reduction initiatives and challenge supplier price increases

Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation and improved buying power

Support management of purchase price variance (PPV)

Ensure favourable payment terms and rebate agreements where applicable

Quality & Compliance

Ensure all supplier proposals meet internal and customer expectations

Accurately complete and review quotation documentation

Support supplier onboarding and ensure correct terms are in place

Maintain high standards of data accuracy across procurement systems

Delivery & Performance

Manage supplier delivery performance to achieve high OTIF (On-Time In-Full) targets

Monitor and meet RFQ deadlines and ensure right-first-time submissions

Maintain accurate lead time data and challenge discrepancies

Health & Safety

Adhere to all health & safety standards and promote a safe working environment

Key Skills & Experience

Proven experience in a Senior Buyer / Procurement / Supply Chain role

Strong negotiation and commercial awareness

Experience managing RFQs and supplier tenders

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

High attention to detail and strong organisational skills

Proficient in procurement systems and Microsoft Office

Performance Metrics

Supplier delivery performance (OTIF)

RFQ accuracy and deadline adherence

Reduction in purchase price variance (PPV)

Supplier base optimisation