Strategic Buyer / Procurement Specialist

Location: Manchester
Industry: Engineering & Manufacturing
Employment Type: Permanent 

About the Company

Our client is a well-established engineering and manufacturing organisation with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to customers in the UK and internationally.

Operating within a highly technical and regulated industry, the business is recognised for its engineering expertise, commitment to quality and strong customer relationships.

With continued growth and an expanding portfolio of major manufacturing programmes, the company is looking to strengthen its Procurement team with an experienced and motivated professional based at its North West facility.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer / Procurement Specialist to take ownership of key procurement categories and supplier relationships, helping to develop and maintain an agile, resilient and sustainable supply chain.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting major engineering and manufacturing programmes, ensuring the timely delivery of technically compliant materials and services.

This position involves managing the full procurement lifecycle, from strategic sourcing and supplier selection through to contract negotiation, supplier performance management and resolution of supply chain challenges.

You will work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers across the UK and Europe to ensure procurement activities meet commercial, technical and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for high-value materials, components and critical suppliers.

• Prepare and manage Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to support projects, tenders and ongoing manufacturing requirements.

• Source goods and services, evaluate supplier proposals and make commercial recommendations based on quality, cost and delivery performance.

• Build, develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with suppliers across the UK and Europe.

• Lead commercial negotiations to secure competitive pricing, favourable lead times and appropriate contractual terms.

• Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives and opportunities for cost avoidance.

• Manage and resolve supplier-related issues, including payment, technical, quality and delivery challenges.

• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews, ensuring actions and improvement plans are implemented effectively.

• Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs and drive continuous improvement.

• Identify supply chain risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.

• Collaborate with Project Management, Engineering and other internal departments to ensure procurement activities align with production schedules and Bills of Materials (BoMs).

• Review and categorise component portfolios to identify sourcing efficiencies and cost reduction opportunities.

• Represent Procurement at project and programme meetings.

• Support the management of engineering changes, product obsolescence and equipment development within agreed timescales and budgets.

• Collaborate with wider procurement teams and strategic partners to identify opportunities for joint purchasing and improved commercial competitiveness.

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with internal governance procedures and relevant industry requirements.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in Procurement, Purchasing or Supply Chain Management.

• Previous procurement experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment.

• Experience managing suppliers, negotiating commercial agreements and supporting complex manufacturing programmes.

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

• The ability to manage competing priorities and resolve supply chain challenges effectively.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to manipulate data and produce analytical reports.

• A minimum of GCSE grade 5/C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

What's on Offer?

In return, our client offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary

• Enhanced company pension scheme

• Early finish on Fridays

• Life assurance

• Company sick pay, increasing with length of service

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Additional annual leave and long-service rewards

• Employee wellbeing initiatives

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Free on-site parking

• Electric vehicle charging facilities

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established and growing engineering organisation, where you will play an important role in shaping supplier relationships and supporting complex manufacturing programmes.

You will work in a collaborative environment alongside experienced professionals, with opportunities to contribute to procurement strategy, drive commercial improvements and develop your career.

If you are an experienced procurement professional with a background in engineering or manufacturing, we would welcome your application.