Senior Projects Buyer

Location

BerkshireType: PermanentSalary: 50-55,000Consultant: Lucy LoRussoContact: : Senior Project BuyerHigh-Performance Engineering & Advanced ManufacturingBerkshire ( 4 or 5 days on site a week) c55,000 + Strong benefits package This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly successful, internationally recognised engineering and manufacturing business at an important stage of growth and development. The business is delivering a number of complex, high-value engineering programmes and investing in new technology, capability and supply chain capacity across demanding global markets. We’re seeking a Senior Project Buyer to join the Supply Chain & Procurement team and take ownership of agreed procurement projects, working closely with Engineering and the wider business to deliver robust supply chain solutions against key risks and opportunities.

One of the key projects will see you embedded within Engineering on a major new automotive programme, with around 12 months of intensive supplier development and sourcing activity before production. This is not a traditional buying role focused on managing an established supplier base. You’ll be challenged to look closely at the BOM, identify cost and supply chain opportunities, develop new suppliers and find innovative ways to deliver the right solution.

And ultimately, you’ll have the opportunity to see the finished vehicle on the road, knowing that the suppliers you selected, costs you helped reduce and supply chain you helped develop played a significant part in making it happen. Role of the Senior Project Buyer Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, you’ll take full ownership of agreed procurement projects, delivering against business requirements including risk, spend, capacity, quality and technology. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Quality, Finance, Operations and suppliers, using your commercial judgement and project management skills to identify opportunities, solve problems and deliver measurable results.Key responsibilities of the Senior Project Buyer include: Taking ownership of agreed procurement projects and delivering against defined business requirementsGenerating RFIs and RFQs, evaluating responses, leading supplier down-selection and supporting contract awardIdentifying, developing and onboarding new supply partnersManaging supplier selection and development activitiesDeveloping and executing supplier agreements where requiredEvaluating and monitoring supplier performance against project and contract deliverablesBuilding strong supplier relationships and conducting supplier reviews, both on and off siteSupporting and driving cost reduction across the BOM and assembly cost, as well as reducing lead timesIdentifying opportunities to improve commercial performance through alternative sourcing and supplier strategiesUsing purchasing metrics to measure project success and delivery against agreed objectivesSupporting and driving continuous improvement initiativesContinually assessing supply chain risks and developing appropriate mitigation plansFacilitating DFM reviews and working collaboratively with designers and suppliersSupporting concurrent engineering activity to improve manufacturability and reduce lead timesWorking with Quality to manage non-conformances and ensure appropriate controls are in place when changing or developing supplySupporting supplier audits and ensuring appropriate quality requirements are metPromoting innovation through the supply base and identifying opportunities to improve capabilityWorking cross-functionally to resolve issues and keep projects on trackIdeal Senior Project Buyer We’re looking for an experienced Senior Buyer who is comfortable taking ownership of complex procurement projects within a demanding manufacturing environment.

You will likely bring: Extensive and proven experience at Senior Buyer level within a complex manufacturing environmentStrong project procurement and purchase project management experienceExperience using ERP/MRP systems within a purchasing environmentStrong supplier selection, development and performance management experienceProven experience with RFIs, RFQs, negotiation and supplier down-selectionExperience delivering cost-saving initiatives and identifying commercial opportunitiesA strong understanding of BOM cost and the drivers behind component and assembly costsExperience working with Engineering and suppliers on DFM and concurrent engineering activityStrong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and lead at all levelsExcellent project and time management skills, with a clear focus on delivering agreed milestonesExperience managing supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost and riskStrong problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve issues collaborativelyExcellent relationship-building and communication skillsResilience and the ability to perform effectively under pressureThe ability to work autonomously, use initiative and make sound decisions in ambiguous situationsStrong commercial acumen and the ability to build and present compelling business casesThe Person We’re looking for someone who wants to make an impact. Someone who looks at a BOM and sees opportunity. Someone who is commercially curious, challenges the obvious answer and enjoys finding a better supplier, a smarter manufacturing route or another opportunity to reduce cost.

You’ll need the confidence to challenge stakeholders and suppliers, the resilience to work in a fast-moving environment and the drive to take ownership rather than wait for direction. A background in automotive, aerospace, defence, precision engineering or another complex manufacturing environment could be highly relevant. You don’t need to have worked in motorsport — we’re interested in people who understand engineering procurement and have the commercial and project capability to make a difference.Benefits Alongside the opportunity to work on a major new engineering programme within a growing and highly successful business, the company offers an excellent employee proposition including: Salary of c55,000Flexible working after probation, including 1 day per week from home25 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with serviceEnhanced pension contributionsPrivate BUPA healthcareDental schemeEmployee Share Trust participationEV car salary sacrifice schemeCycle to Work schemeOn-site canteenCareer development and talent acceleration programmesEmployee assistance programme and wellbeing supportFinancial planning supportVolunteering opportunitiesSabbatical opportunities after qualifying serviceGenerous family-friendly policiesLife assurance