Strategic Buyer in Reading
Solutions Driven is looking for an Strategic Buyer in Reading
Job description
Solutions Driven is hiring on behalf of our client, who is a manufacturer in the aerospace and high-tech electronics sector. This role is based near Reading, England, with a Hybrid working mode (3 days onsite).
Overall
This role is critical to our success, acting as a pivotal link between the early program development, bid proposals, and the strategic establishment of a robust, competitive, and reliable supply chain. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of strategic sourcing principles, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to achieve optimal outcomes for complex programs.
Main Duties:
Procurement Bid & Proposal Support:
- Act as the primary procurement point of contact for new business pursuits, bid proposals, and strategic procurement initiatives.
- Provide early supply chain intelligence, including market analysis, supplier capabilities, and long-lead item identification, to support "make vs. Buy" decisions.
- Develop comprehensive cost estimates for materials and services, leveraging market data, historical performance, and supplier insights.
- Lead and participate in strategic supplier engagements during the bid phase, including RFQ development, proposal evaluation, and preliminary negotiations to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with new programs, including single-source dependencies, geopolitical factors, and technical challenges.
- Contribute to the development of winning bid strategies by identifying opportunities for cost reduction, innovation, and supply chain optimization.
- Ensure compliance with all internal procurement policies, government regulations, and customer flow-down requirements during the bid process.
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management for Programs
- Translate program requirements into strategic sourcing plans, defining the optimal supply chain for new and existing products.
- Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers that align with the client’s strategic objectives and program needs.
- Make use of category strategies for assigned commodities, focusing on total cost of ownership (TCO), quality, delivery, and technology alignment.
- Lead complex contract negotiations with suppliers, establishing long-term agreements, pricing structures, and performance metrics.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply base, including supplier performance management, risk mitigation, and cost reduction opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Operations to ensure seamless material flow and support program execution.
- Proactively monitor supplier performance against established KPIs, address issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.
General Procurement Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate procurement data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP), including supplier information, pricing, and contract details.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and supply market dynamics to inform sourcing strategies.
- Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced buyers as required.
- Participate in cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and tools.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field [e.g., Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field].
- Mid-Level: 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related supply chain role.
Special Qualifications
- Desirable- Full member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Extra information
- Status
- Open
- Education Level
- Secondary School
- Location
- Reading
- Type of Contract
- Part-time jobs
- Published at
- 09-10-2025
- Full UK/EU driving license preferred
- No
- Car Preferred
- No
- Must be eligible to work in the EU
- No
- Cover Letter Required
- No
- Languages
- English
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