Location: Chesterfield
Salary: Up to £50,000
The Opportunity
We are working with a leading engineering and manufacturing business seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join their procurement function.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven procurement professional with experience within the steel fabrication, engineering, or manufacturing sectors to take ownership of purchasing activities, supplier relationships, and procurement improvements across the business.
You will play a key role in ensuring the consistent supply of materials, goods, and services, while driving cost efficiencies, improving processes, and supporting operational performance. You will also provide leadership and guidance to a small procurement team, helping to develop capability and deliver best-in-class purchasing practices.
The Role
As the Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for:
Managing the procurement of materials, goods, and services to meet operational requirements, ensuring the right balance of cost, quality, and delivery.
Leading and supporting a small procurement team, providing coaching, mentoring, and guidance to improve performance.
Managing supplier relationships and working closely with internal teams to ensure continuity of supply.
Identifying and addressing supply chain risks, providing solutions and alternative options where required.
Supporting continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement processes, efficiency, and overall business performance.
Negotiating supplier agreements, pricing, and commercial terms to achieve value for money.
Monitoring supplier performance, market trends, and opportunities for cost reduction.
Ensuring procurement processes and policies are followed consistently.
Resolving supplier issues relating to pricing, quality, delivery, and invoicing.
Producing procurement reports and KPI updates to support business reviews and decision-making.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
Proven procurement or purchasing experience within a steel fabrication, engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environment (essential).
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate effectively and make sound business decisions.
Experience managing supplier relationships and improving procurement performance.
Knowledge of lean inventory management principles and supply chain optimisation.
The ability to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or service.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong attention to detail with a structured and organised approach.
Good IT skills, including strong Excel capability.
A collaborative approach with the ability to influence and engage teams across the business.
A relevant procurement qualification (CIPS preferred) would be advantageous.
Why Join?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established and growing business where you can make a real impact, shape procurement strategy, develop supplier partnerships, and contribute to ongoing operational improvements.
Please reach out to Sharon O'Donnell or Sabrina O'Donnell at The Highfield Company
Salary description
£40000.00 - £50000.00 per year