Strategic Buyer
Marine applications
Contract – Outside IR35 9-12 months
Purpose of Role:
The role acts as the key interface between suppliers and internal engineering teams, ensuring that design and procurement activities are aligned to deliver technically compliant, manufacturable and cost-effective solutions. Working closely with Engineering, Operations and Quality functions, the role supports the successful development and introduction of new products by influencing component and supplier selection, providing design-for-manufacture expertise, and ensuring supply chain considerations are embedded throughout the design process.
The position is responsible for identifying and developing capable suppliers, sourcing technically complex components and services, driving supplier performance, mitigating supply chain risks, and ensuring materials and components are delivered to the required quality, cost and schedule commitments in support of defence and maritime programmes.
Key Responsibilities:
Work closely with Engineering to identify and qualify suitable suppliers during the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, ensuring compliance with technical drawings, specifications and programme requirements.
Lead component and supplier sourcing activities, utilising technical expertise to interpret SSC requirements and manage Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and Expressions of Interest (EOIs)
Provide technical guidance to internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure alignment with manufacturing capabilities, quality standards and programme objectives.
Collaborate with suppliers and Engineering teams to promote Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles, ensuring components can be manufactured and sourced efficiently and cost-effectively
Expedite open purchase orders where required and maintain accurate delivery schedules within the LN ERP system.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
Create and manage purchase orders
Proactively identify, manage and mitigate supply chain risks to minimise programme disruption and delivery delays.
Provide regular progress updates and supply chain feedback to internal stakeholders for assigned suppliers and procurement activities.
Collaborate effectively with Stores, Engineering, Operations and Quality teams to support programme delivery.
Ensure all procurement activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, procedures and governance requirements.
Negotiate pricing and delivery commitments with suppliers to achieve business objectives.
Ensure supplier compliance with applicable defence, quality, regulatory and security requirements, including the flow-down of customer and contractual obligations where applicable.
Undertake any other duties required.
Qualifications and Experience:
Demonstrable experience within a mechanical engineering, manufacturing or production environment; marine, defence or aerospace experience desirable.
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and supplier selection processes.
Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials and technical documentation.
Experience using ERP systems such as Infor LN or equivalent.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining, fabrication and assembly techniques.
Experience in supplier management, sourcing and procurement within an engineering environment.
Experience of European and/or international engineering procurement.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
HNC/HND or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, manufacturing or a related discipline.Candidates must be able to obtain BPSS clearance and should have the right to work in the UK
Salary description
£30.00 - £45.00 per hour