Category Buyer

Job Title

Category Buyer – Mechanical Components

Location

Greenford, London (Global HQ)

Reports To

Procurement Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Category Buyer – Mechanical Components to join our Procurement team. The role involves supporting the Procurement Manager in delivering robust category strategies, supplier development and commercial leadership across key mechanical component categories. The role will shape the mechanical component supply base and support New Product Introduction programmes.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and continuously improve category strategies to deliver cost competitiveness, supply security and innovation.
• Build and maintain a resilient global supply base by identifying, evaluating and onboarding new suppliers.
• Lead sourcing initiatives for key mechanical component categories, including fabricated, forged, cast, extruded and injection‑moulded parts.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations covering pricing structures, contractual terms, payment conditions and delivery performance.
• Manage supplier contracts and ensure compliance with agreed commercial and operational terms.
• Monitor market trends, cost drivers and supplier capabilities to support informed sourcing decisions.
• Lead sourcing activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, ensuring supplier and manufacturing processes align with product development timelines.
• Drive early supplier involvement to support design optimisation and cost‑effective product development.
• Develop strong supplier relationships and manage performance across cost, quality, delivery and responsiveness.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and lead improvement initiatives where required.
• Carry out supplier visits and business reviews to strengthen collaboration and identify development opportunities.
• Identify and deliver cost reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, resourcing and value engineering.
• Apply total cost of ownership (TCO) principles when evaluating sourcing options.
• Proactively assess supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies, including dual sourcing, supplier development and long‑term supply agreements.
• Represent the Category Buying team in cross‑functional meetings and projects, building strong relationships across Project Management, Engineering, Quality, Production and Planning.

About You / Qualifications

• Strong commercial and negotiation skills with a proven ability to deliver measurable value.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes including fabrication, forging, casting, extrusion and plastic injection moulding.
• Strong analytical and numerical capability with the ability to evaluate cost drivers and commercial opportunities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Self‑driven, proactive and able to operate independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Experience

• 10+ years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience sourcing mechanical or engineered components.
• Experience with international supplier sourcing and development.
• Experience working within cross‑functional product development environments.

Education

• Degree qualified or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Management or a related field.
• CIPS qualification or working towards it.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, workplace pension scheme and profit share bonus.
• Flexible working: 9‑day fortnight option.
• 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
• Brompton discount up to 60% on bikes and accessories.
• Free breakfast and access to lunch meals.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Enhanced family, paternity and maternity leave pay.
• Mental health support via a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strive to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.